KITCHEN KNIVES GO FULL SLICE ‘N DICE

D p. 56

BRION TOMBERLIN
PEARCE FIGHTER P. 60

MARCH 2020
www.blademag.com

VINCE EVANS SCOT

TTISH DIRK P. 34

HOW TO BUY BANK--VAULT-TIGHT

BANK
CUSTOM KNIVES P. 76 BLADE LOCKS P. 48
FORGED-HOT CAR
RBON-BASED
SUB-HILTS P. 12 K
KNIFE FORMS P. 32
COFFIN HANDLES TOP
P CUTTER OF
COME ALIVE P. 60 MANY COLORS P. 82
CUT IN A B
BACK TO THE
TIME WARP P. 34 STONE EDGE P. 22

US $5.95
CAN $6.95

03
P. 40

0 09281 50251 7
Display until March 23, 2020
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 MARCH 2020

12
Brian Sellers split-ring sub-hilt.
( etsston ne Studio image)

48 Steel Will Tasso folder.

(Marty Stanfield image) 22 Michael Miller side-notch spear point.
(Flintknappers.com image)

12 FORGED SUB-HILTS FLOURISH 56 YOU SAY TOMATO …

Custom versions of the storied design are proliferating. Nate’s ’n “Payt’s” kitchen knives go full slice ’n dice.
By Les Robertson By MSG Kim Breed

22 KNAP TIME 60 HISTORY IN THE KNIFEMAKING

Lithic artists are waking up to the old art of flintknapping. Cutlers give the coffin handle their own look and feel.
By Pat Covert By Jordan LaMothe

32 CARBON-BASED KNIFE FORMS 72 OPPORTUNITY

Check out the latest in straight-carbon-steel fixed blades. Pass your knifemaking knowledge forward—and no secrets, please!
By BLADE staff By Ed Fowler
®

34 TIME-WARP KNIVES 76 HOW TO BUY CUSTOM KNIVES PART I

Whether classic or reimagined, period repros are sharp studies. What to know about makers before you buy knives from them.
By Dave Rhea By Mike Haskew

40 SHEAR THIS! 81 SPENCER FRAZER STEPS DOWN

For game, utility and more, today’s shears get the job done. SOG headman will maintain an advisory role moving forward.
By Abe Elias By BLADE staff

48 BANK-VAULT TIGHT! 82 CUTTER OF MANY COLORS

New blade locks capture the present and future of knives. Knife handle changes hues in varying light and temperature.
By Dexter Ewing By BLADE staff

4 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
 6 | READERS RESPOND
7 | COVER STORY
10 | UNSHEATHED
20 | THE KNIFE I CARRY
24 | SHARPER THAN STEEL
46 | KNIFE EVENT CALENDAR
65 | BLADE SHOPPE
66 | WHERE TO NET ’EM
67 | AD INDEX
68 | WHAT’S NEW
71 | NEXT IN BLADE ®

71 | WHERE TO GET ’EM

81 | KNIFE FAMILY LOSES 3

68
Tobin Hill Whaler’s
’ KKnife.
if
(Eric Eggly image)

34
Vi
Vince Evans at the
E
National Museum
of Scotland.
(Evans image)

BLADE (ISSN 1064-5853) is published monthly (Vol. XLVI,

®

No. 6), with an additional issue in November, by Caribou

Media dba Gun Digest Media LLC. Corporate headquarters
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M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 5

RE ADE RS RES PON D |

the said knife on his exhibitor table

Moran Museum Inspiration his junior rug rat. It is a sad day when with all the parts, along with a sign that

I
have been reading BLADE® for years and I’m looking forward to relaxing with my read, “The only kit knife D.E. Henry
carrying a knife since I was a boy. I car- newly arrived magazine and have to look ever made!”
ried a Benchmade Triage into war as a at an a___ and a junior a___ (“T ’n T: Thanks for doing what you do. I have
DUSTOFF Army flight medic and the knife Trump And Trudeau Blades,” June issue, every BLADE from 1980 forward!
out performed my trauma shears. Mean- page 34). I hope Mr. Jim Barry III never
while, as of Dec. 30—my birthday—2018, I sells another knife. Of course, if Trump
have embarked on knifemaking. had bought this one, he would have never Tom Mayo, knifemaker, Waialua,
My wife got me a tour of the William paid for it. Trumps don’t pay vendors— Hawaii
F. Moran, Jr. Museum. I started forging it’s against their policy.
a blade there and ended up taking it Slasher, Not Sly

T
home. They would have had to pry it out David Hare, a letter via e-mail hat was a great article by BLADE®
of my hands! By the end of the weekend field editor Mike Haskew on Bob
I put ziricote scales on it with stainless Editor’s note: You’re entitled to your Lum in the January issue (“He
steel pins and cleaned it up a bit more. opinion about the President but we hope Put The Steel To The Wheel,” page 34).
Anyway, here’s to finishing the first blade, Mr. Barry, who made the presentation However, a mistake was made in the edi-
the “Moran paring knife,” for my kitchen. piece for the President outlined in the tor’s note.
story, makes and sells many, many You stated that the late Herman
Austin S. Langdon, Frederick, more knives. Schneider made the spiked knuckle
Maryland dagger used by Sylvester Stallone’s
Only D.E. Kit Knife Ever? character in the movie Cobra. Actually,

I
Editor’s note: The William F. Moran, Jr. really enjoyed reading the story about the knife was used by the movie’s Night
Museum is located on 4246 Old National D.E. “Ed” Henry in the November Slasher character played by Brian
Pike in Middletown, Maryland. The BLADE® (page 76). From all the stories Thompson. Stallone did throw a beautiful
Moran Museum Shop is a working I have heard he was really a character, folder with an ivory handle into a criminal
shop with a small museum upstairs kind of like BLADE Magazine Cutlery in the super market scene.
that displays knives and other items Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob Loveless! I love your magazine. Keep up the
made by BLADE Magazine Cutlery One story I heard years ago really good work.
Hall-Of-Fame® member Bill Moran. shows Ed’s temperament. Billy Holt
The museum is open for special city of Pacific Heat Treating was getting a Randy Williams, a letter via e-mail
events in Frederick, Maryland, and by bowie from Ed and asked if he could
appointment only. For more information get it engraved before it was hardened. For the latest knives, knife news, trends
visit williammoranmuseum.com. Ed delivered the knife to Billy and then and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
changed his mind—he didn’t want popular Instagram page @blade_
someone else working on his bowie. magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Billy was less than accommodating to
Ed’s change of mind and for years had

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6 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
COVER STORY |

NEED A KNIFE?Our online store is better,

faster, & easier to use.

IF IT CUTS,
WE CARRY IT.
SMKW.COM

T
he Scottish dirk by Vince Evans is
a classic rendition of the genre by a
knifemaker who specializes in pe- • TOP BRAND CLOSEOUTS
• ANTIQUE & CUSTOM KNIVES
riod pieces in general.
The 12 5/8-inch flat-ground blade is
forged from 5160 carbon steel. The maker’s • LIMITED EDITION KNIVES
• DAILY FLASH SALES
wife, Grace Evans, carved the walnut
handle in a traditional Turk’s-head-knot
pattern typical of original Scottish dirks.
She does all the carving on her husband’s
dirks. The fittings are brass. Overall length: CELEBRATING
OUR 40TH
16.5 inches. The dirk carries in a leather
belt scabbard with a brass tip and throat.

ANNIVERSARY
“GRACE EVANS CARVED THE
WALNUT HANDLE IN A
TRADITIONAL TURK’S-
HEAD-KNOT PATTERN.”

For more information on the cover knife

contact Vince Evans, Dept. BL3, POB
3604, Show Low, AZ 85902 809-443-8198
evansvk@gmail.com, picturetrail.com/
vevans, or see the story on page 34.
The cover knife image is by
SharpByCoop, as is the inset image of the
Pearce Fighter by Brion Tomberlin (page EST. 1978
EST
60). The castle in the background is in
Edinburgh, Scotland.

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M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 7

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8 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
UN SH EATHED | BY STEVE SHACKLEFORD

WHAT DO YOU LOOK

FOR IN A KNIFEMAKER?
B
LADE® field editor Mike Haskew’s story on the ques-
tion of what to look for in a knifemaker in part one of
the series “How To Buy Custom Knives” (page 76) got
me to thinking.
While determining the kind of maker that is best for your
knife needs requires knowing a number of knife-related
factors about the maker—many of which Haskew outlines in
his story—part of that determination also depends on certain
intangibles that pertain to you. In other words, what is it about
a knifemaker that appeals to you?
Take me, for instance. Aside from the obvious question
of the quality of their knives and the usual business-related
factors, there are certain traits I look for in makers. Some of
the traits may be ones you look for, some may not.
For instance, makers who smile a lot usually make me feel
at ease. Examples include BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-
Fame® member Gil Hibben, Joe Keeslar, Jim Crowell, Ernest
Emerson and Dellana. Th ink about it. When you approach a
maker’s table and they look like they need to take a few swigs
of Pepto-Bismol—if not down the whole bottle—you tend to
look elsewhere.
Similarly, another trait that appeals to me is those who
like to laugh and joke. The late Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Frank
Centofante was a fountain of one-liners, and Steve Schwarzer,
Bill Ruple, Shane Taylor, Wade Colter, Jerry Fisk and Cutlery
Hall-Of-Famer Ken Onion are cut-ups as well. When you’re at
a three-day knife show especially, things can get monotonous
at times, and a good joke or belly laugh makes things much
more tolerable.
Those who share my interests is another thing I like. An
interest I shared with Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Bob Loveless
was a love of old movies, including John Wayne fl icks. I’ll
never forget Loveless discussing perhaps his favorite movie,
Shane, and the time he met Jack Palance, the actor who played One trait the author likes in makers is an ability to laugh and joke, a
cold-blooded killer Jack Wilson in the movie. (Shane: “You’re trait ABS master smith Steve Schwarzer exhibits in abundance.
a low-down Yankee liar.” Wilson: “Prove it.”)
Makers who are well grounded and keep me from going
living doing what they want and love to do, appeals to me. Of
off the deep end on certain issues make my list. Cutlery Hall-
course, as you no doubt have gathered by now, many of the
Of-Famer Wayne Goddard was great at that, as is Schwarzer.
outlined traits are those I look for in people in general.
Goddard smiled and joked more than you might think, too.
What about you? What do you look for in a knifemaker?
Those who are personable and show sincere interest in your
Add those things to the information in Mike Haskew’s story
thoughts and ideas are my kind of maker, too. Perhaps no one
and the bet here is the result(s) will be to your liking.
did it as well as Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Bill Moran.
A willingness to discuss all things knife and to do so in
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.
depth, along with a readiness to question conventional knife
com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page @blade_magazine,
wisdom, is another desirable trait. Cutlery Hall-Of-Famer Jim
and on Facebook and Twitter.
Batson, BLADE field editor Ed Fowler and the late Al Pendray
are three that come to mind in that regard.
All of the above, plus the fact that the makers earn their

10 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
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COLLE CT I NG | BY LES ROBERTSON BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

CU
STO
IN I

The Split-Ring Sub-Hilt Fighter by Brian Sellers (inset) has a

sub-hilt and guard of a twist-pattern damascus. The 10-inch
blade is ladder-pattern damascus and the handle is ironwood
with nickel-silver spacers. The maker’s list price: $2,350.
Brian also won Best Fighter at last year’s BLADE Show.
(Whetstone Studio knife image)

12 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
 ppopular that for more than 40 years,
ccopies and stylized versions of it have
flourished. Custom knifemakers and
A collaboration between David Broadwell
factories worldwide have used the
and Steve Randall includes Randall’s design. In fact, even sub-hilt folders
feather-pattern damascus for the sub-hilt, have been made.
10-inch blade, frame and pommel. Handle:
mastodon ivory. Overall length: 15 inches. PPROS
Broadwell’s list price: $4,000 (includes a
padded zip-up case). (SharpByCoop image) NNaturally, as for most specialized
ddesigns, there are pros and cons to the
sub-hilt.
First and foremost, it is visual. Its
loook has an appeal very few fi xed blades
hhave. A sub-hilt knife offers a wonderful
ccombination of understated elegance
a nd “serious business.” In addition, the
sub-hilt gives the user an excellent grip.
AAnd, if a leather thong is added, the knife
iss not leaving the user’s hand unless the
uuser wants it that way.
A story circulated for decades claims
t he sub-hilt gives the leverage to
he sub-hiltt is de- wwithdraw the blade should it get stuck.
fined as “an ad- FFact is, the double edge inherent to sub-
ditional section of hhilts is generally enough to dislodge
guard located along the length t he blade. That said, the reality is that
of the grip of a sword blade.” It leeverage can be used for control of
was common among the swords t he blade much better than on a knife
of the Sasanian Empire* during the wwithout a sub-hilt.
6 and 7th centuries A.D. Today it is
th

increasingly finding favor among those C

CONS
who forge their knives. Th
The biggest drawback to the design is it
The sub-hilt is clearly not a new severely limits the handholds you can
concept. Indeed, BLADE Magazine employ to grip the knife. While a sub-
Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob h
hilt can be used to dress out an animal
Loveless is credited with popularizing o
or fish, its primary purpose to is to
the feature on knives better known stab and slash. For any would-be knife
as sub-hilt fighters. His Big Bear is so fi
fighters who want to manipulate the

Samuel Lurquin’s War Dog employs Explosion Damascus

for the sub-hilt, guard and pommel. The 10.6-inch blade
with hamon is W2 tool steel. Handle: ancient walrus ivory.
Overall length: 16 inches. The maker’s list price: $3,550
(includes custom leather sheath). (SharpByCoop image)

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 13

bokerusa.com C O L L E C TI NG |

BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Bob

Loveless (inset) is credited with popularizing the sub-hilt
feature on knives better known as sub-hilt fighters. His Big
Bear is his best-known sub-hilt. (Louis Chow knife image;
Loveless image courtesy of John Denton)

BOKER CASTLE SERIES | O1 carbon blade steel | Wood handle scales, from castle Schloss Burg | Available in seven models | Model No. (shown): 113004

could be that it is not something in whicch

they and/or their collectors are interested.
For 30 years I have heard the term AB BS
bowie. Basically, such a knife is a bow wie
with a 10-inch blade, 15-inch overaall
length, a double guard, and either a
wood or stag handle. This seems a faair
assessment because places such as th he
Bill Moran School of Bladesmithin ng
and numerous hammer-ins around th he
country focus on more

blade by changing handholds

freely during use,
use this is not the
design for you.
What I found interesting is that while
makers who use the stock removal
method long have embraced sub-hilts
on their knives, the same cannot be said
for those who forge their blades, aka
bladesmiths. This is not to say that
bladesmiths never build sub-hilt
knives, but it is not common.
One explanation for this

Night Star Mosaic Damascus is the material

for the sub-hilt, 10-inch blade, guard and
pommel of the Night Star Mosaic Sub-Hilt
Bowie by David Lisch. Handle: ancient walrus
ivory. Spacers: 18k-domed gold. Overall
length: 15 inches. Maker’s list price: $7,000
(SharpByCoop image)

14 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
 Chris
Reeve
Knives
traditional styles of bowies and hunters.
Consequently, teaching forged-knife-
building skills follows more along the
lines of more traditional patterns.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
After talking with several makers, I find
the reason for the underutilization of sub-
hilts can be as simple as the fact that the
knives are much more time consuming
to construct. Makers have told me this
is because of the degree of difficulty
involved in building sub-hilts. Makers
often can fashion two standard bowies
in the time it takes to make one with a
sub-hilt. Such knives will see the maker
earn less per hour—for a more expensive
knife—because of the extra time needed
to create one. Many makers are inclined to
incorporate all damascus and a premium
SEBENZA 31
handle material, such as ivory or stag, Black Canvas Micarta
thereby raising the retail price even more.
Nonetheless, after a glimpse at the knives
pictured with this story, you can see they
are worth the extra time and money it Order at chrisreeve.com
takes to make them.

INTR
ROD
O UCIN
NG THE
HE

DEKA
®
3. 5" ABLE LOC
O K
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DER
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MODIFIED WHARNCLIFFE
AND
CLIP POINT MODELS

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M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 15

COLLE CT I NG |

Kevin Klein’s sole-authorship sub-hilt fighter

features an 11-inch damascus blade of 1084
carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels. The
handle is African blackwood and features
silver, shibuichi and mokume-gane furniture.
Overall length: 16.25 inches. Maker’s list price:
$4,500. (SharpByCoop image)

ABS master smith

Dave
D Lisch says the biggest
challenge to building a sub-
hilt was the eye test. “When
looking at the buttcap and how
it transitions into the hook coming off the
bottom,
b it never looks right to have the
handle material meet a flat piece of steel,”
he noted. “It’s not enough to do it at the good fit and finish, as
buttcap
b and guard; the transition must well as doing this while
also follow through to the sub-hilt.” maintaining good handle
ergonomics, [is demanding],” he
maintained. “The size/location of the
“THE SIZE/LOCATION OF THE sub-hilt has to be spot-on or it feels
terrible in the hand. An added stress is
SUB-HILT HAS TO BE SPOT- using ivory. Once it’s cut, it’s cut.”
ABS journeyman smith Josh Fisher’s
ON OR IT FEELS TERRIBLE most imposing roadblock was “shaping
the inside of the sub-hilt. I ended up p
IN THE HAND.” having to use files and doing a lot more
work by hand than I normally do.”
—STEVE RANDALL
Knifemaker avid roadwell’s
challenge was “properly shaping the
ABS master smith Samuel Lurquin area between the lower guard and the
found the largest obstacle to be the front of the sub-hilt. Most of
incorporation of the rounded handle. my knives have long guards,
“The rounded areas of the ivory have so getting my small wheel in
to meet up with the damascus. Ivory this area without grinding
detests heat—no matter what the knife
is,” he explained. “It has to be worked
slowly because heat will make it crack.
Rounding the handle requires expert
precision to have the ivory and damascus
sync up with no issues.”
ABS master smith Steve Randall
described his biggest challenge with
the style. “Cutting and fitting
the handle pieces for a
Josh Fisher used blued carbon steel and
stainless steel spacers for the sub-hilt of his #1
Sub-Hilt Fighter—his first attempt at the design.
The 9.25-inch blade is ladder W’s pattern
damascus and the handle is desert ironwood.
Overall length: 14.25 inches. His list price:
$1,650 (includes a custom leather sheath).
(SharpByCoop image)

16 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
COLLE CT I NG |

Steve Randall forged the damascus for the

sub-hilt, finial and pommel and also the tight
W’s pattern damascus for the 10-inch blade of
his sub-hilt bowie. Handle: ancient walrus ivory.
Overall length: 15 inches. Maker’s list price:
$3,100 (includes a custom leather sheath).
(SharpByCoop image)

parts that don’t need to be ground caan

be difficult.”

AUTHOR’S FAVORITE
After talking with these very talenteed
makers, I realize it is not a case of
bladesmiths not being interested in
making sub-hilts. Given the challenges
of building one of these incredib ble
knives, combined with the time it
takes to do so—compared to building a
standard forged bowie—their
bowie their reluctan
reluctance
is understandable.
Sub-hilt fighters and bowies are my
favorite knife styles. Yes, they are visually
appealing. However, for me it is the fact
After Light Comes the that the knives cannot be built by just
anyone. It takes talent, time and patience
to create a properly executed sub-hilt
fighter or bowie. The next opportunity
you have to handle one of these knives,
I highly recommend taking the time to
thoroughly examine it. At a distance, a
sub-hilt is visually stunning, yet it is up
close that you can appreciate the superb
craftsmanship that goes into creating
such a work of art.

*Officially known as the Empire of

Iranians and called the Neo-Persian
Empire by historians, the Sasanian
Empire (224-651 A.D.) was the last
kingdom of the Persian Empire before the
rise of Islam.

For the contact information for the knives

and sources in the story, see “Where To
Get ’Em” on page 71.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

TM
the YOJIMBO 2 and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
Now available with black DLC-coated blade and all- popular Instagram page @blade_
black hardware and Compression Lock® mechanism spyderco.com 800 525 7770 magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
USA MADE

18 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 Ready to Step Up Your
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T HE KNI FE I C ARRY |

My good friend, Shannon,

and I both carry a
Kershaw Cinder. We each keep one
on our keychains.”
Jenn Jennwood,
a letter via e-mail

I carry a Harrier 2 by You won’t fi nd me

Byrd Knife. I use it for anywhere without a
EDC cutting jobs. It’s a dependable knife in my pocket. Right now my
performer, tough, easy to carry and EDC is a Fallkniven Model P folder.
inexpensive. It’s a looker and cuts what I need
Hal Burkett,
cutting on a daily basis.”
a letter via email Stephen L. Morrison,
a letter via email

For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
Instagram page @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell us what knife you carry. Add a little history or an anecdote.

Try to include a photograph—if digital, at least 600 KB but no
larger than 2 MB—of you with your knife. We will publish your
comments in an upcoming “The Knife I Carry.” Your name will
then be entered in a drawing to win a free, high-quality, name-
brand knife. The drawing will be May 15. Mail to: BLADE ®, 5600
W. Grande Market Dr., Ste. 100, Appleton, WI 54913, or e-mail
steve@blademag.com. If you send your entry by e-mail, please
include your physical mailing address in case you win the knife.

2 0 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
 39th annual

june 5-7, 2020

CONNECT WITH US AT #BLADESHOW

BL A DES OF ST ONE | BY PAT COVERT

K a LITHIC ARTISTS ARE ONCE AGAIN WAKING UP

TO THE ANCIENT ART OF FLINTKNAPPING

Archaeologist/flintknapper Michael Miller

knapped this see-through, side-notch spear
point from semi-translucent petrified wood.
Exotic materials such as this are highly prized
by flintknappers. The founder of Flintknappers.
com, Miller (inset at his booth at a “knap-in”)
sells his own work, as well as that of other
flintknappers. (Flintknappers.com images)

2 2 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 This slick, streamlined knife is by lithic artist Joel Ozment.
The blade is glassy-black obsidian mated to a finely polished
Picasso marble handle. Handled knives are popular items
among both artisans and collectors. (Pat Covert image)

M
any millennia before humans Woody was on the ground floor of moved past that and are now interested
dreamed of metals for tools and modern-day flintknapping and says the in tools, techniques and the full
weaponry, there was stone. What overall comprehension of the art has morphology and technical attributes
started with broken cobblestones became increased exponentially. of the stone tools.”
exquisite spear and arrow points, and the “When I started, the knowledge base There has always been friction among
most eloquent and diverse styles were was pretty thin. We were interested flintknappers and archaeologists—
made right here in America. The Ameri- in replicating the style of old points, both academic and amateur—for fear
cas were isolated from Europe around particularly ones from the Ice Age— of what some call fakes bleeding into
12,500 B.C. when the Iron Age was tak- but not the process. That was a big authentic artifact circles. However,
ing root. Nonetheless, at the same time, oversight on our part,” he opined. “Our Blackwell’s knowledge and affable
American flintknappers were producing other big mistake was concentrating on personality have always allowed him
some of their most incredible work. the point’s silhouette, neglecting the to move among all groups.
Today, in the United States, there three-dimensional aspects. Luckily, we “The great majority of professional
is a healthy group of flintknappers—
commonly referred to as lithic artists—
practicing the old techniques, along with
an avid following of collectors ready to
buy their creations.
Woody Blackwell is one of the pre-
eminent flintknappers in the USA
and has been a fi xture on the scene for
more than 30 years. This writer first saw
Woody—a legend in lithic-art circles—
put on a flintknapping demonstration in
the late 1980s. I was mesmerized.
“Our species, or the early hominids we
came from, have been breaking rocks for
about 2.7 million years,” he began. “We
stopped a mere couple of thousand years
ago. In evolutionary terms, that’s the
flicker of an eye, and maybe not enough
time for a skill set so essential to our
development to completely disappear.
So, when some of us are reacquainted This colorful group knapped by Woody Blackwell consists of one Plainview spear point
with flintknapping, the old compulsion (bottom) and three Scottsbluff types. The material is petrified palmwood from west Texas
to make stone tools roars back to life.” near Big Bend. The longest point is 5 inches. (W. Blackwell Archive image)

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 2 3

 NC Tool Company Inc BL A D E S O F S TO N E |
6133 Hunt Rd Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
336-674-5654 | 800-446-6498
www.nctoolco.com

SHARPER THAN STEEL

L ong-time BLADE® readers will recall Errett Callahan (1937-2019), American archaeologist,
flintknapper and pioneer in the fields of experimental archaeology and lithic replication
studies. He began flintknapping in 1956 and introduced the modern knife community to
flintknapped knives in the 1980s with stories in the
KNIVES annual and BLADE, including “Blades For The
Present From Methods Of The Past” in the September/
October 1987 BLADE and “Back to the Stone Edge” in
NC Knifemaker 21 Gas Forge the May 1997 BLADE. He also gave flintknapping demos
-Easy on fuel at the BLADE Show.
-Reaches welding temperature Callahan not only flintknapped blades of stone and
obsidian, he put them to work—including butchering
a legally downed elephant as chronicled in the May
’97 BLADE. In fact, in that issue he wrote: “In recent
years, stone knives in the form of obsidian scalpels have
been used for hundreds of delicate surgical operations.
Because obsidian fractures to the molecular level, it’s
up to 500 times sharper than surgical steel. That makes
obsidian far sharper than any modern steel knife or, as
Errett Callahan
Ken Warner wrote, ‘In the question of keenness, the
NC Knifemaker Anvil
obsidian wins hands down [KNIVES ’86, p. 33].’”
-Classic traditional design
-Shipping weight 70 lbs The downside would be obsidian’s brittle nature, making it much easier to break and chip
than steel, but its superior sharpness cannot be questioned. No matter; the point here is that
A Bladesmithing Combination Callahan was a pioneer and deserves recognition in the pantheon of modern flintknappers.
Place Your Order Today! —by BLADE staff

archaeologists I’ve met are fine with

modern knappers. As for amateur
archaeologists—the collectors—it’s a
mixed bag. Some actively collect top-end
signed work from great contemporary
knappers because they recognize the
collectability of [it}. And, of course,
there are some who dislike modern
knappers. I get eight to ten e-mails every
month from professional archaeologists
and collectors asking me about point
types, material, manufacturing, use
wear, damage, authenticity and so on.
So, from my vantage point,” he offered,
“I think the relationships are strong and
healthy.” Indeed, this writer has known
several top collectors who keep modern
knapped blades and projectile points
handy as study pieces.

VIRTUAL KNAP-IN
Very few people have a better pulse
on today’s flintknapping world than
archaeologist Michael Miller. Learning
to knap flint as a teen was the impetus
for his career choice.
“My interest in archaeology—
specifically, stone tools—has always
fueled my flintknapping obsession.
www.quinaultvalleygunsandblades.com | 360-288-2652 I believe learning how ancient stone

24 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
FORTY YEARS
OF KNIVES!
Y ear after year, the Knives
Annual keeps the knife
industry up to date on design
trends and customer creations.
Whether you’re a maker or a
collector, or whether you’re
jjust shopping for your next
unique piece, Knives 2020 is a
must-have. Order your copy of
the 40th edition of this one-of-
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$35.99 • Softcover • 312 pages • Product No. R8060
 BL A D E S O F S TO N E |

Another large spear point from Woody Blackwell, this 9-inch beauty is a Transitional-Paleo
Allen-type replica done up in Brazilian agate, a form of carnelian. Note the exquisite diagonal
flaking. (W. Blackwell Archive image)

tools were made can only be taught by The Flint Ridge Knap-in—was made
experience and experiment,” Miller up of around 20 or 30 flintknappers.
observed. “Flintknapping has grown Jump forward to today, and this event
tremendously since the 1990s, when I gathers hundreds of flintknappers and
first started. The first knap-in I attended an interested public. The advent of on-
in 1998 at Mason’s Flint Farm—now line groups, videos and social media

Lithic artist Jeremy Parker is known for his faithful reproductions, and this trio of archaic
spear points shows off his fine work. At top is a Lost Lake-style point, followed below by a pair
of Pinetrees. All are Buffalo River chert. (Pat Covert image)

2 6 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
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BL A DES OF ST ONE |

Lithic artist Jeremy Parker knapped this stunning pair from Buffalo River chert from Arkansas.
At left is a 5-inch Transitional-Paleo Dalton-style point; at right is a fluted Cumberland from
the Paleo period. (Pat Covert image)

the Internet. it has grown to include many of the top

“I started developing websites flintknapping artists in the country, with
and pages about archaeology and new items posted for sale daily.”
flintknapping in 1994,” he noted. To say that Miller succeeded
“The Internet was still in its infancy would be an understatement, because
back then, and commercial websites Flintknappers.com is a must-visit site
were just starting to catch on. I started on the Internet for anyone interested in
selling my replicas on eBay.com. But flintknapping. In fact, yours truly is a
while in college, I decided I should just daily visitor!
This outstanding work of art by lithic artist
cut out eBay and its fees and sell on my
Woody Blackwell replicates a Ross blade own website. The FLINTKNAPPING BIZ
from the Hopewell culture. Approximately “Wanting to create a website that could Like knifemakers, most flintknappers
11 inches long, it consists of knapped be a virtual knap-in, I came up with have a day job and bust rock in their
Tecovas silicified sandstone from Texas. (W. Flintknappers.com while driving home spare time—but not all.
Blackwell Archive image)
from the Flint Ridge Knap-in in the fall Jeremy Parker is a flintknapper out of
of 2000. I invited all my flintknapping Mooresboro, North Carolina, where he
has vastly expanded accessibility and friends to join the website. I used the and his wife, Anna, operate Broad River
exposure to flintknapping, as well as a term gallery instead of shop or store. Native Arts. Jeremy has been knapping
surge in primitive skills and bushcraft.” I’ve always wanted Flintknappers.com flint for more than 10 years and is widely
Miller also helped pioneer the to be a collective of flintknappers and respected in the rock-busting community,
building of a presence for lithic art on their work for everyone to see. Today, as well as by modern flint collectors.

2 8 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
 12
MONTHLY
ISSUES
PLUS our annual
COMPLETE
Knife Guide!

START RENEW
or
Your PRINT or
DIGITAL Subscription
at www.blademag.com
 B L A DE S O F S T O N E |

Blackwell Custom “I have been selling my work for

Knives
around eight years now, but I began
knapping full time three years ago.”
Parker stated. “I have been fortunate
and blessed to have collectors who
consistently purchase my work.
“I did not have any mentors but I
had D.C. Waldorf’s book, The Art of
Flintknapping—a book to which many
flintknappers owe a debt of gratitude.
Also, I soon realized that there was an
incredible resource through YouTube, so
I had plenty of ways to help me learn the
craft. After a couple of years, I began to
attend a few knap-ins and would pick up
little things there as well.”
However, Parker points out that the
business of flintknapping is not without
Zane Blackwell its challenges.
“Over the 10 years that I have been
P.O. Box 234 knapping, I’ve seen a steady increase in
the number of knappers—but a steady
Eden, Texas 76837 decrease in available resources. There
have been dramatic increases in prices
325-869-8821 for those resources, especially rocks with
size and color,” he observed. “Also, top
collectors are not buying as they once
did, nor are they paying the prices they
once paid. Even so, the absolutely top
pieces by the top artists are still sought
out and, while prices have gone down,
they still command good money. It’s an
interesting time for flintknapping, what
Masecraft Supply Co. offers the world’s largest line-up of with so many new folks coming into the
natural and synthetic materials for knife handles, gun grips,
pens, musical instrument inlays, pool cue inlays and endless hobby. My hope is that a few of these will
other creative applications. Several of these materials are turn into the next generations of serious
exclusive to us.
collectors of modern lithic art.”
Our customers include some of the largest and well known
major manufacturers and artisans in the world.
Our line-up of natural materials includes white Mother of Pearl,
IN GOOD HANDS
Black Lip Pearl, Gold Lip Pearl, Paua, Green Abalone and The history of modern technology, from
many types of Laminated Shell Veneers (LVS) plus custom
shell inlays, India Stag, Bone, Horn and Exotic Woods. the advent of television right up through
the smartphones of today, is just a drop
Our decorative synthetic materials include Alternative Ivory
and many other decorative Polyester and Acrylic materials in in the bucket compared to that of stone
sheet, rod and bar form. We also offer a full line of Reconsti- blades, so it’s nice to know the past is
tuted Stone slabs and blocks. We are adding new products
every year. We also offer a wide variety of Rigid Composite in good hands—thanks to modern-day
Laminates in Canvas, Linen and Paper Micarta, G-10’s and
Carbon Fiber. flintknapping artists.
Masecraft supply co. specializes in large manufacture orders
and the individual needs of artisans and hobbyist alike. For the contact information for the
sources in the story see “Where To Get
’Em” on page 71.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
Visit our new popular Instagram page @blade_
E-commerce store, magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
www.masecraftsupply.com
full product selection with pictures Meriden, CT USA

Call us today for a free catalog 1-800-682-5489

3 0 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
BACK IN PRINT!

$
24.99

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ȴrearms and knives books at:
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HANDMADE G A LL ERY | BY BLADE ® STAFF

CARBON-BASED

32 BL ADE M
JULY
ARCH
2 019
2020
 O
n Star Trek, humans are referred to as car-

4 bon-based life forms on at least one occa-

sion. To take a page straight out of the USS
Enterprise log, we’re designating the knives with
straight carbon steel blades on this and the follow-
ing page carbon-based knife forms. Put that phaser
on stun, crewman, and cut long and prosper!

W2 tool steel with a handsome hamon and a

1 black Micarta® handle comprise a Mike Nelson
fixed blade. Blade length: 4.5 inches. Overall
length: 9 inches. A black pouch sheath is
included. (Caleb Royer edited image)

A takedown hunter by ABS apprentice smith

2 Jimmy
J Schmitz has a 5-inch blade of quarter-
inch-thick 1084 with a satin patina. The handle
is curly Bastogne walnut with a copper spacer.
Overall length: 10 inches. Maker’s list price: $650
(includes a hand-tooled leather belt sheath). (Caleb Royer
edited image)

5 A satin-finished blade of 1095, a handle of

3 Galaxy Blue corian, and liners and a fileworked
backspacer of 410 stainless steel top off
Israel Franco’s linerlock folder. The bolster is
embellished by ATXengraving. (Caleb Royer edited image)

Forged from 1-inch round W1 tool steel, the

4 clip-point blade of a bowie by Andrew Takach
was clay quenched to reveal the hamon. The
handle is a stabilized rib of ancient Steller’s sea
cow, and the fittings are 316 stainless steel and bronze.
(Caleb Royer edited image)

D2 tool steel for the 5-inch blade, a carbon

5 fiber handle, a 416 stainless steel guard, and
engraving by Danae Cresswell help complete
a 10-inch dagger by Christian Mathieson.
(SharpByCoop image)

6 6
ABS
A master smith Ray Kirk forged the 5160
blade for a utility knife by Alex Ruiz. The handle is
mahogany. (Caleb Royer edited image)

A 7.1-inch blade of 52100 ball-bearing steel,

7 a buttcap fileworked to fit the shape of the stag
handle, and 416 stainless steel fittings with
copper spacers top off Kevin Room’s bowie.
Overall length: 12.2 inches. (Caleb Royer edited image)

For the contact information for the pictured knives, see

“Where To Get ’Em” on page 71.

7 For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more

visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page
at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

JULY 2 0019
M ARCH 2 0 blad ema g.co m 3 3
P ER IOD REPROS | BY DAVE RHEA

WHETHER CLASSIC OR REIIMAGINED,

PERIOD REPROS ARE STUDDIES IN SHARP

The hilt for the Vince

V Evans Scottish
S cover dirk is inspired by a
c
dirk
k housed in the Kelvingrove
K Museu
M m in Glasgow, Scotland, the
blade of which
w w made from
was m the tip of a broken broadsword.
(See
S page 7.) (SharpByCoop
B C knife ima
mage) (The castle in the
background is in Edinburgh, Scotlandn .)

3 4 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
T
here’s a niche mar-
ket in which custom
knifemakers producee
high-end, modern knives in an Shayne Carter’s quillon dagger features an 11.75-
old-European style. They vary from
f inch blade of flat-ground damascus and a handle
spot-on period repros to modeernized of core mammoth ivory. Overall length: 17 inches.
(SharpByCoop image)
amalgamations of influences from
f dis-
tant times and disparate lands.
For instance, the Europeaan quillon
art dagger is a style each app plicant for
master smith (MS) in the American
Bladesmith Society must makke and do
BS panel of
so to the satisfaction of an AB
judges as part of earning the MS
M stamp.
According to the official AB BS testing
literature, the dagger must haave at least dagger that features
300 or more forge-welded layyers and a an 11.75-inch mosaic
quillon guard “similar to those found twist-pattern damascus
on European daggers in the middle to blade, a pattern he described
late Middle Ages.” As ABS maaster smith as “very, very complicated.” He
Shayne Carter noted, it’s no eaasy task. added that everything about the
“A dagger grind is pretty complex,” construction, proportion and function
he assessed. “You have to have four needs to be perfect, and,
matching sides, so that in itseelf is quite for the full effect, a
a challenge.” certain knowledge of
Carter received his MS in February the ancient design is
2019. Among his five test knives he required.
produced a beautiful 17-incch quillon “I researched it quite a little bit,” he
disclosed. “It was a left-handed knife, and
it would have been a duo with the long
rapier sword. So the guard, the quillon talent as possible
part of it, serves a purpose to catch the when he made the test
opponent’s rapier and hopefully lock knife. “It’s just a test,” he
it iin place
l hil you di
while t h hi
dispatch ith
him with t d you wantt
your rapier.” to just pass the test or do you want to
Historically, the dagger also acted own the test?”
as a sidearm to be worn for protection
even when its owner was not bearing BONNIE BLADES
a sword. Carter said much thought When it comes to making period-perfect
goes into considering and integrating repros, Vince Evans has a reputation
the weapon’s history and function. “It backed by decades of research and skill.
needed to be quick and fast,” he stressed. He concluded that the market can’t be all
Carter’s quillon dagger features a that bad because it’s about 99 percent of
core mammoth ivory handle styled with his output.
another ABS MS test requirement—that “Most of my market is what you could
it be fluted for most of its length and call cultural enthusiasts,” he noted.
inlaid with twisted wire wrap set to a “Quite a few years ago, a friend of mine
depth of one half its diameter. It also must who is a collector and restorer of antique
be mechanically attached using no glue. arms suggested I focus on that market
“I think that’s your masterpiece,” because he said basically nobody was
he explained of the quillon testing doing it right. He knew what [period
requirement. “It’s a very challenging pieces] really look and feel like, and he
knife. I don’t know exactly what said [knifemakers] in general weren’t
the ABS founders thought, but they getting it right, though they claimed
Even if you can only examine an authentic probably thought ‘this is your crowning they were.”
period sword on display through glass—as
Vince Evans does here at the National
achievement—a quillon dagger.’” Doing repair-and-restoration work
Museum of Scotland—you can learn so Carter pointed out that he wanted for his friend ultimately sent Evans in
much. (Grace Evans image) to showcase as much of his skill and the period direction, he allowed. Soon

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 3 5

P ER IOD REPROS |

The War Knife by Zach Jonas features a 15-inch

blade of six-bars of 1084 and 15N20 damascus
consisting of five bars of a 180-layer twist, and
a 540-layer random pattern along the spine. He
carefully forged it so the pattern follows the edge
e.
Overall length: 19 inches. (SharpByCoop image)

Andrew Meers outfits his quillon dagger with a ring

guard, 14-inch damascus blade of 1084 carbon
and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels, and an African
blackwood handle inlaid with silver wire. The guard
is wrought iron. Overall length: 22 inches.

after, he and his understand such work.” 18-inch rondel dagger featuring a 13-inch
wife, Grace, started The hilt for Vince’s ccover ladder-pattern
p damascus blade. To rou und
travelling to Europe, Scottish dirk is inspired by a dirk out the design, he incorporated a spiral-
“figuring if we’re going housed in the Kelvingrove Museu m in fluted African blackwood handle and
to do it right, we’d better Glasgow, Scotland, the blade of whichw antiqued bronze-over-blued steel fittings.
know what right is.” was made from the tip of a broken He characterized the rondel dagger
“We were in Edinburgh broadsword. “The original dirk has in general as a sidearm designed for
studying about a dozen dirks that double edges,” he recalled. “On this armor piercing. “Some of them were
they pulled out of storage for us to one, I didn’t want to do a double-edged really nothing more than an ice pick,” he
study and document, which is typically blade, so I did a single edge like a more- laughed. “Just find a hole in the armor
what we do when we go there,” Evans typical Scottish dirk.” The result is this and jam it in!” The inspiration for this
explained. “Hands-on examination is issue’s cover knife (see page 7). one came from an Internet auction house.
really the only way you’re truly going to Another Evans period creation is his “I was looking through rondel daggers

3 6 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
online and that particular one popped
up,” he recalled. “I’d never seen one with
that bronze-over-steel before. I threw in
the damascus to make it prettier.”
Evans said his work allows people
to time travel in a way, where they are
momentarily transported back to the
days of their ancestors. “When people
pick these up, the warrior that’s hiding
deep down inside kind of wakes up,” he
mused. “With a Viking sword in hand
they may envision themselves on a long
boat with the salt spray sailing across to
pillage somewhere.
“A lot of people approach me because
their ancestor was Scottish or Viking or
European, and think ‘this could have
been my ancestor’s.’ They’re trying to
touch their own past, in a way. That’s
part of the fascination, I believe, and
that’s why I like it.”

DECIDEDLY DIFFERENT
Not all old Euro-influenced knives
are intended to be period accurate.
Andrew Meers’ Quillon Ring Dagger
is an example of a decidedly different
approach. Meers became an ABS master
smith in 2015 after spending some of
his formative years as a student of ABS
master smith J.D. Smith.
Since this particular quillon dagger
was not the one Meers used to pass his
ABS MS test, he was able to set aside the
test requirements for it. However, the
African blackwood handle still features
a variation of flutes and silver wire inlay.
The quillon, pommel and handle accents
are wrought iron from an antique bridge
in Illinois, and Meers incorporated silver
into the engraved accents and inlay,
which feature lions’ heads and paw prints.
“I read an article about hunting in
the Serengeti that led me into reading
about pride structure,” he observed. “I
found the hierarchy inspirational and
the different ways they work together
to bring down prey, so I picked that as
the theme.” He explained that most
engravers have a certain style, so his
intention was to use the space differently
with a balance less familiar.
Meers described the quillon dagger
as an off-handed knife, and the ring on
the guard is of a design originally used
to pivot the dagger around to parry
incoming attacks of a rapier. The thumb
depression on the ricasso enhances user

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 37

P ER IOD REPROS |

of aesthetic vocabulary, my own lines. I

wouldn’t claim it as something no one’s
ever seen before because there’s nothing
new under the sun, but something that
is uniquely me. I guess that’s the biggest
motivation under it.”
He said there’s no mistaking that
when the War Knife hits your hand you
think, “Oh, this is a weapon. This is for
lethal action.” He added that the knife
is surprisingly well balanced because its
profi le taper causes most of the weight to
reside in the middle toward the hand.
“A lot of slashing weapons end up
feeling clumsy and forward heavy, which
is great because that’s what they’re for,”
Jonas explained, “but this one feels much
more nimble.”
He wanted to ensure the knife
demonstrated his forging prowess, so he
devised a clever technique to achieve the
integral bolster without distorting the
contiguous steels. “I forged the bolster into
the 540-layer random bar before I forge
welded the other five bars of twist to it,”
Jonas recalled. “That allowed me to pull
off the bolster in isolation and not distort
any of the twist in the process, and then
manipulate the steel around it as I wanted
to—which is actually a method I’m looking
forward to exploring some more.”
The G-10 handle was designed
and fabricated to emulate something
carved from a bone ball socket. “It is
reminiscent, although not very literally,
of a bone joint,” Jonas explained. “I
wanted to kind of lean into that, but
again, not too literally—just to give it
that sort of visceral feel.”
Jonas described the War Knife, finished
with bronze and wrought iron accents, as
his favorite knife that he’s ever made, and
Scott Gallagher’s quillon dagger has a 10-inch blade of hot-blued 1075 carbon steel with a
flat grind. The guard is twisted W’s damascus and the fluted African blackwood handle is expressed reluctance to sell it. However,
inlaid with silver wire. Overall length: 15 inches. The maker’s list price for a similar knife: in a bittersweet turn of events, he recently
$3,600. (SharpByCoop image) sold it to one of his best friends who
already owns a piece from Zach’s ABS
grip. The 14-inch damascus blade carries from the two put together in one,” Jonas journeyman smith test set.
a variation on a Turkish twist pattern, pointed out. “My philosophy is to try to
whereas the center bars are bold twist never follow too close to any one thing, For the contact information for the knives
and the outside bars are a W’s twist. but to extract what I can out of it and and sources in the story see “Where To
make something interesting happen.” Get ’Em” on page 71.
UNIQUELY HIM Jonas, who also trained under J.D.
The War Knife by Zach Jonas doesn’t Smith, earned his MS in 2012. Because For the latest knives, knife news, trends
follow any straight path to a particular the War Knife was part of his MS set, and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
time or culture. Instead, it is an all-original he concentrated on what he felt best popular Instagram page @blade_
fusion with Afghani and Celtic influences. defines him as a knifemaker. “I really magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
“It’s not exactly either a Khyber knife wanted to make something that was in
or a Celtic ring knife, but some ideas essence me,” he allowed. “My own sort

3 8 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
A 13-inch damascus blade in a hollow grind, a blackwood handle
and fittings of bronze and steel help complete the rondel dagger by Vince
Evans. Overall length: 18 inches. The maker’s list price for a similar knife: $3,500.
(SharpByCoop image)

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 3 9

SHEAR MAG I C | BY ABE ELIAS BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR

It took two seconds to run the Gerber Processor Shears

down the back and split the bird in two. Note how the
offset handles keep the bird out of the way of the author’s
hand. MSRP: $30.

FOR GAME, UTILITY AND MORE, TODAY’S SHEARS GET THE JOB DONE

4 0 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
I
love a good set of scissors. In fact, I
rarely buy a Swiss Army knife with-
out them. They’re great for a number
of jobs, from rough cutting to precision
snips. They are a little more complex than
a knife and, if you don’t know what you’re
doing when you sharpen them, you can
mess them up.
This month we have three sets of the
scissors’ big bro: the shears. All can be
used for anything a small scissors can do,
though each has its own area of specialty.
I was interested in the shears as a tool
to process game, but I rounded out the
story as there were a variety of offerings.
Anyone who has done any upland game
hunting knows shears help process game The strap hook and oxygen tank wrench of the Leatherman
like no one’s business. Raptor secure via a linerlock system. MSRP: $69.95.

PRETTY DARN GOOD blade operates on a linerlock. The shears wire, telecommunications wire, leather
The CAS Iberia Professional Multi- are on a button release exactly like the seat belts and packing straps, along
Tool designed by Paul Chen has a old Gerber slide-lock system. As for with some poultry. (Yes, I washed the
manufacturer’s suggested retail price the shears, they are spring loaded but Professional in between.) As for the other
(MSRP) of $15, and, as a professional a bit sluggish. I oiled the pliers, which implements, they work fine. The saw
knifemaker, I must say I couldn’t even buy improved the action, but they still have even works. It’s not the best saw but will
the steel used to make the Professional a bit of a slow return. do the small jobs for which it is designed.
for that amount. In fact, I don’t think you I used the shears to cut electrical I just wish the layout were better. You
can even buy a paperweight for $15. Keep
in mind, my referencing the price is not
a statement of quality—I’m just amazed
at how economical it is. Consequently,
before we go bashing any manufacturing
sources, let’s look at it for what it is.
Would I use the Professional as game
shears? Certainly. Would I leave it in my
truck or kit bag? Sure. Just on price alone
it’s a good tool to have around, especially
if you ever have to worry about it getting
stolen. Do you really want to spend $100
or more on an edged tool just to store it
in your vehicle emergency kit?
Some might ask: Would you want to bet
your life on the Professional? My answer:
How much must you let things deteriorate
to get to that point in the first place?
The Professional’s quality is pretty
darn good. The blades are carbon steel
and had no problems cutting through
some bone joints. The shears even
cut through small bones. (Normally
I wouldn’t cut through bone simply
because it’s not needed.)
As the name suggests, the Professional
Multi-Tool has a number of other
implements: knife blade, small pliers, The CAS Iberia Professional Multi-Tool cut a variety of materials, including
removable fi le, can opener/screwdriver, packing strap leather and even wire. The small size tended to watermelon-
seed some of the slicker materials, so hold whatever you’re cutting fifirmly
rmly
flat-head screwdriver, Phillips to the back of the jaws during use. MSRP: $15.
screwdriver and saw blade. The knife

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 41

SHEAR MAG I C |

The Gerber Processor breaks down into two

parts. It takes a split second to separate the
two blades. Once you have it apart, you have
a small game knife you can get into spots
that the shears may not access as easily.
Here the knife-blade section cleaves through
poultry flesh.

must open some of the implements

before you can get at others. Both shears’
blades are beefy, so you won’t fi nd it easy
to get in tight places to do fine trimming.
Having pliers is helpful but since they
are not the primary function, they are
not overly heft y.
The Professional carries via a pocket
clip, though a pouch also would have
been nice. Oddly enough, if I source a
quality pouch on my own, it costs more
than the Professional. In the end I am
impressed with the initial testing and
how solid the CAS shears are.

IT GETS GAME
As you might guess, the Gerber
Processor Shears are for processing
game. As mentioned, at least some
upland game hunters find shears very
helpful. As an upland game hunter,
over the years I would switch off
between shears and a small knife while
cleaning birds. I normally open the
bird with the knife and then cut off the
feet, the tips of the wings and the head
with the shears. (As for the intestines,
The author and his team used the Leatherman
I scoop them out with two fingers. The Raptor to breeze through seat-belt material. At
dogs love them as a treat.) one point they had to stop testing because the
The Processor has a fish scaler and a author was worried they would use up all of his
gut hook, and the shears come apart to seat-belt-material stash. “It was way too easy,”
he wrote.
give you a knife. A feature I like is that
toward the back of the shears is a notch
area. Being that it is so close to the pivot

42 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
 The spine on the shears of the CAS
Professional gives an idea of how
beefy they are. They dispatched a
number of materials.

The Gerber Processor not only makes the

tough cuts but also a good clean one.
Sometimes with a knife as you process meat
you get a little sawing action—not so with a
good pair of shears.

point, you get extra leverage over your

cut compared to anywhere else on the
jaws. Look to this area for your tough
cuts like the neck and small joints.
The handles are supposed to be
ergonomically designed but my bear-paw
hands have a couple of issues with fit. I find
the lower end a bit too much on the pistol- The author used the Leatherman Raptor to
grip side of things. Not being a southpaw, part out a chicken. Here the shears cruise
through a joint with little to no effort.
I cannot tell you if they are good for left-
handers. The design is symmetrical and I
can hold it left-handed, and I can use it
about as well as a right-handed person
uses stuff left-handed.
The shears cut a variety of materials

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 4 3

SHEAR MAG I C |

just fine. I was a bit gentler on them than

the CAS Professional, but then again
these are for game. If I had a bunch of
processing to do, I think the Processor
would start to wear on my hand a bit.
The handles are glass-reinforced nylon
and a thermoplastic elastomer (rubber),
so they clean up well.
The Processor has a molded sheath.
It has no belt loop and fits the shears
snugly. Because the sheath is plastic, it is
nothing to take the entire rig and run it
under water to clean it.
One design feature I particularly like
is the offset handles. The blades are lower
than the plane of the handles, so your
hands always ride above the cutting line.
The Processor is a good set of shears that
makes game cleaning easier.

JURASSIC CLASSIC
Out of the field, the Leatherman Raptor
is the most expensive ($69.95 MSRP).
The CAS Professional fit nicely into the author’s small tool pouch. He does some
warehouse work, which in such case the Professional replaced his Klein scissors
Arguably, though, the Raptor is the highest
for this test. engineered of the lot. It appears geared
more toward EMT work. Tools include the
shears, ring cutter, an oxygen tank wrench,
strap cutter and a glass breaker.
Since the strap cutter deploys on its
own, I had no issues using it like a gut
KNIFE AND GUN FINISHING SUPPLIES hook. In an EMT capacity, I could see
the hook slicing open clothing as easy
as the shears themselves. Just like a
Order Line Customer Service regular set of EMT shears, the blades are
1-800-972-1192 928-537-8877 micro serrated and dispatch a number of
Stabilizing – - Our Specialty since 1990 materials with ease.
The set folds up to fit in a molded
rig with belt loop. The belt-loop design
Blades Guards Handles Solder Books Adhesives leaves something to be desired. It is
supposed to allow you to slip the sheath
How To Grinders Belts DC Etching Buffers on and off without having to undo your
DVD’s Motors Machines belt. Fat chance of that unless you have
more dexterity than me, or know a
Buffs Horn Ivory Bone Flitz Scribes technique I do not.
As a package, I find the set a bit
Screws Taps Drills Sheaths Pommels Rivets bulky, but, on the other hand, I am no
featherweight. The scissors and strap cutter
Stabilized Knife Hermes Steel & 416 1080 lock into place independently. The strap
Wood Cases Abrasives Blades Stainless Steel cutter secures via a linerlock and both
shears blades use a button-lock system. The
CM 154 440C 1095 D2 Pure Raptor works great, as you would expect of
Powdered Nickel any Leatherman edged tool.
Steel In my volunteer ambulance days I
would have used a dedicated shears, as
they have to be unfolded to get at them—
www.knifeandgun.com and time matters. I would not keep the
1972 Forest Ave Raptor in a hunting or emergency kit in
Lakeside AZ 85929 csinfo@knifeandgun.com
the car, not at its price, as I would want

4 4 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
to get more use out of a shears that cost
as much. They are great tools if you need
such a pair. I would definitely look at
rolling them into an EDC kit of some sort.

DIFFERENCE MAKER
For quick, accurate cutting, shears can
make a big difference, say, in freeing
someone from a seat belt. I have even
seen shears used in fishing plants during
smelt season. You can’t cut a small fish
like a smelt any faster than with a shears.
Whether hunting, any first-aid or
emergency kit, or everyday carry, shears
are a good idea.

For the contact information for the shears

in the story see “Where To Get ’Em” on
page 71.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page @blade_
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Three generations
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Visit www.fallkniven.com for more information.

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FallknivenSweden

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 4 5

 SHOW CA LENDAR | BY BLADE® STAFF

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MARCH 30-APRIL 1 HARRISONBURG, VA MAY 2-3 GROTON, CT The 39th Annual

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305-922-3677 f loridagunexpo@gmail.com, APRIL Reserve Cutlery Show, Knights of Columbus.
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MARCH APRIL 18 HONOLULU, HI Hawaii Custom
of handmade, factory and antique knives.
MARCH 6-7 TROY, OH Spirit of the Blade A combined total of nearly 1,000 exhibitor
Knife & Tactical Show. Contact James Seto
Custom Knife Show, Miami Co. Fairgrounds tables and booths. Join the world ’s great-
808-398-0208 hawaiiknifeshow@gmail.com.
Duke Lund Guard Building. Contact maple- est national and international knifemakers,
APRIL 18-19 TEXARKANA, TX American cutlery manufacturers, collectors, collections
woodforge@gmail.com.*
Bladesmith Society Spring Hammer-In, Texar- and knife lovers. Site of the BLADE Magazine
MARCH 6-9 NURNBERG, GERMANY The kana College. Contact ABS master smith Mike 2020 Knife Of-The-Year® Awards for factory
IWA OutdoorClassics 2020, Exhibition Centre. Williams 580-420-3051 hforge@pinenet.com.** knives, the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-
For the trade only. Visit https://www.iwa.info/en. Of-Fame© inductions and much more. Host
APRIL 18-19 EUGENE, OR The 43rd Annual
MARCH 16-27 CLYDE, NC American Blade- Oregon Knife Collectors Association Show, to BLADE University, the annual ABS meet-
smith Society’s Intro To Bladesmithing Class, Exhibit Hall, Lane Events Center and Fair- ing and more. Seminars include the BLADE
Haywood College. Contact ABS Coordinator grounds. Contact Dennis Ellingsen 541-484- Show World Championship Cutting Competi-
Ken Hall 828-400-7815 khall@hallenergycon- 5564 okca@oregonknifeclub.org.* tions, how to use, how to make, youth clubs,
sulting.com.** etc. Contact BLADE®, c/o Alicia New ton
APRIL 18-19 EASTON, PA Lehigh Valley blade@bladeshow.com.* **
MARCH 19-22 CLYDE, NC American Blade- K nife Show, Charles Chrin Communit y
smith Society’s Smoky Mountain Hammer-In, Center. Contact Bill Goodman 484-241-6176 JUNE 8-12 CLYDE, NC American Blade-
Haywood College. Contact ABS Coordinator goodknives@goodmancpa.com.* smith Society’s Handles and Guards Class,
Ken Hall 828-400-7815 khall@hallenergycon- Haywood College. Contact ABS Coordinator
APRIL 24-25 WILLIAMSPORT, MD Mason- Ken Hall 828-400-7815 khall@hallenergycon-
sulting.com.**
Dixon Knife Club 2-Day Knife Show, NEW sulting.com.**
MARCH 21 LITTLE ROCK, AR Arkansas LOCATION Williamsport Red Men Club.
Custom Knife Show, Statehouse Convention Contact Bill Crilley 717-404-8766 crill9@hotmail. JULY
Center. For more information call 870-279- com, Facebook: MasonDixonKnifeClub.*
7329 or visit arknife.com.* JULY 25-26 WASHINGTON, MO The 4th
APRIL 25-26 MISSOULA, MT Montana Knife- Annual AIK Summer Knife Show, Elks Lodge.
MARCH 27-28 DALTON, GA Dalton Georgia maker’s Association 25th Annual Custom Knife Call 618-656-9868, email adamsknifeworks.
Knife Roadshow, Northwest Georgia Trade Show & Sale, Grizzly Harley-Davidson. Call com@gmail.com or visit aik-knifeshow.com.*
and Convention Center. Contact J Bruce Voyles Nancy 406-728-2861 or Rick 406-721-6903.*
Auctioneers and Appraisers, attn.: Bruce JULY 27-AUG. 7 CLYDE, NC American Blade-
smith Society’s Intro To Bladesmithing Class,
Voyles 423-238-6753 knifeauctions@gmail. MAY Haywood College. Contact ABS Coordinator
com, jbrucevoyles.com.*
MAY 1-2 GREER, SC Palmetto Cutlery Club Ken Hall 828-400-7815 khall@hallenergycon-
MARCH 27-28 GODFREY, IL Bunker Hill Show, Greer Recreation Center. Contact Randy sulting.com.**
Knife Club Show, Alton-Wood River Sports- Wooten 864-915-0788 ranwooten@yahoo.com,
men’s Club. Contact Tim Bryant 618-531-0011 palmettocutleryclub.org.*
tbryant@yahoo.com.* AUGUST
MAY 2 BOISE, ID Nordic Knives Invitational AUG. 14 -15 L E X I NGTON, K Y C ent ra l
MARCH 27-28 HAMPTONVILLE, NC Tar Custom Knife Show, Grove Hotel. For more
Heel Cutlery Club Show, Yadkin VFW Build- Kentucky Knife Club 2020 Knife Show, Clar-
information call Dave Harvey at 208-202-2913 ion Hotel Convention Center. Contact Kathy
ing. Visit Tar-Heel-Cutlery-Club on Facebook.* or visit nordicknives.com/pages/nordic-knives- Litton 502-863-1840 litton711@aol.com.*
MARCH 27-29 JANESVILLE, WI Badger Knife invitational-knife-show.*
Club Knife Show, Holiday Inn Express. Contact AUG. 18-20 DENVER, CO Professional Knife-
Bob Schrap 414-479-9765 badgerknifeclub@aol. makers Association’s Denver Custom Knife
com, badgerknifeclub.com.* Show, Crowne Plaza Denver. Visit https://www.
expohour.com/denver-custom-knife-show.*

4 6 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
AUG. 22-23 BELLEVILLE, IL Gun & Knife
Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center.
Call 618-495-2572 or visit https://bcfair-
grounds.net/event/gun-knife-show-4/.
AUG. 29 SAN FRANCISCO Damasteel Chef
Invitational San Francisco 2020, San Francisco
Cooking School. For more information call
+46 293 306 00, e-mail dci@damasteel.com, or
visit damasteel.se/damasteel-chef-invitational/,
Instagram: @damasteelab, Hashtags: #DCI2020,
Facebook: Damasteel Chef Invitational.*

SEPTEMBER
SEPT. 3-5 LAS VEGAS, NV The 12th Annual
Gathering of the Usual Suspect Network, Trad-
ers’ Cove, Planet Hollywood. For more infor-
mation contact The USN Gathering, Inc., Dept.
BL2, 14216 SW 136th St., Miami, FL 33186
305-255-9176 ext. 215 thegathering@usngath-
ering.com, usngathering.com.*

OCTOBER
OCT. 2-4 PORTLAND, OR The 3rd Annual
BLA DE Show West, Oregon Convent ion
Center. The latest in custom and factor y
knives, awards for same, 2nd Annual Chef ’s
Knife Cutting Championships, demos, semi-
nars and more. For more information visit
bladeshow west.com and/or contact blade-
show.com.* **
OCT. 24-25 GARDEN GROVE, CA California
Custom Knife Show, Embassy Suites-Anaheim
South. Contact info@californiacustomknife-
show.com 888-473-2661 californiacustom-
knifeshow.com.*

NOVEMBER
NOV. 14-15 TULSA, OK Wanenmacher’s Tulsa
Arms Show, Tulsa Fairgrounds. Contact mail@
tulsaarmsshow.com, 918-492-0401 mail@
tulsaarmsshow.com, tulsaarmsshow.com.
NOV. 20-21 JERSEY CITY, NJ New York
Custom Knife Show, The Westin Jersey City
Newport, Newport Ballroom. For more infor-
mation visit fiftyfiftyproductions.net.*

To ensure timely publication of your knife

show in the “Show Calendar,” BLADE®
requests that you email all pertinent informa-
tion concerning your show in written form—
dates, locations, etc.—at least three months
before the show takes place to BLADE c/o
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For the latest knives, knife news, trends and

more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular www.blacksmithsdepot.com
Instagram page @blade_magazine, and on
Facebook and Twitter. Kayne and Son
100 Daniel Ridge Rd Candler NC 28715 USA
PHONE: 828-667-8868
International Shipping available • Inquiries Welcome

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 47

BL A DE L OCKS | BY DEXTER EWING BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

IMAGES BY MARTY STANFIELD, MARTY STANFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

TODAY’S BLADE
LOCKS REPRESENT
THE HERE AND
NOW—AND FUTURE
—OF THE INDUSTRY

The CRKT XOC Deadbolt shrugs

off abuse. Heavy batoning with a
32-ounce dead-blow hammer fazed
neither the lock nor the knife.

4 8 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
F
or well over a decade new locking
mechanisms have proliferated on
the folder market. In the interim,
the age-old lockback and linerlock have
proved very trustworthy and withstood
the test of time. Each has been used on
just about every form of folding knife.
However, in recent years companies
have experimented with and offered
locks more advanced in function and
construction. While the classic locks
are still widely used, there’s a movement
of sorts by manufacturers to seemingly
out-do not only the two old dependables
but each other as well. In this spirit of
competition, consumers have a bevy of
choices in blade locks. The pickings are
really good out there!

“THE RADIUS IS RACY, AND

SEXY LOOKS GIVE IT THE
ATTITUDE OF A FINE
EUROPEAN SPORTS CAR.”
—THE AUTHOR

While no one lock seems demonstrably

better than the other, each has its own set
of pros and cons. Often it comes down to
which manufacturer you like best and
what its lock offers. Fortunately, all of the
locks make folders more user friendly,
safer and quicker to deploy. While still
strong and great choices, the lockback
and linerlock require some degree of
proficiency to operate deft ly.
The new generation blade locks,
meanwhile, are easier to operate yet
remain stronger by design. Engineers
have created locks that represent the here Bank-vault-tight locking folders, from left: CRKT XOC Deadbolt, Steel Will Tasso, Hogue Deka
and now—and future—of the industry. and Fox Radius.

FINGERS SAFE functions are separate. the button along the groove, the blade
The Fox Cutlery Radius was named The Radius locks open and closed. deploys and then locks in the open
BLADE® Magazine’s Overall Knife It is sort of like a standard button lock position. To unlock and close, simply
Of The Year® and Imported Knife but with a few interesting twists. Open reverse the steps. Caged pivot bearings
Of The Year® at BLADE Show 2019. the 3-inch blade by gripping the knife enhance glassy smooth action.
Immediately, the folder was elevated to securely and placing your thumb firmly At no point during the closing
superstar status. The centerpiece is the on the lock button. The button is affi xed sequence do your fingers cross the
lock, what Fox Cutlery calls the Fingers to the blade tang and slides through a path of the blade, something linerlocks
Safe Opening Mechanism. It combines semi-circular pattern on the handle. and framelocks require, and which is
both the lock and the one-hand-opening Depress the button to unlock the blade where accidental cuts happen among
function. On most folders the two from the closed position. As you push inexperienced and seasoned users

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 49

BL A DE L OCKS |

The Fox Radius lock features a release button

that travels in a semi-circular pattern on the
handle. Exert pressure on the button throughout
blade rotation. It locks the folder both open and
closed. According to the author, it is one of the
safest locks on the market.

alike. Meanwhile, the lock’s action is

controllable and predictable. I felt in
total control of the blade’s motion.
The Radius is comfortable and
carries nicely. What’s neat about the
tip-up pocket clip is the mounting
screws are inserted from the handle’s
interior, providing a very clean, screw-
less appearance. The only downside to
the Radius, and a minor one at that, is
also its best asset—the lock. Because of
how the lock is situated on the handle,
the knife is not left y friendly. On the
other hand, it operates comfortably and
quickly for a righty.
The Radius is racy, and sexy looks give
it the attitude of a fine European sports
car. Even when sitting still, it makes a
statement. The M390 premium stainless
steel gives it plenty of horsepower for
cutting tasks, with an infrequent need
for sharpening. By the time you read this
a less expensive version may be available,
possibly employing a G-10 handle and
N690Co blade steel. The manufacturer’s
suggested retail price for the latter was
yet to be announced at press time.

ABLE Capable
The Deka is another installment in the
Hogue line of tactical knives designed
by Allen Elishewitz. Unlike a number
of other models in the Hogue line, the
Deka is on the more compact end of the
spectrum. Sporting a 3.25-inch blade, it
offers custom styling, premium materials
and the advanced ABLE (Ambidextrous
Bar Lock Enhanced) Lock.
“The ABLE Lock is a Hogue-team-

The Steel Will Tasso folder features the

company’s Ant Lock, a variation on the venerable
lockback design updated for strength and ease of
use. It has an ambidextrous release.

5 0 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
 executed project with Scott Bruhns
as the point person on engineering
and production,” says Bill Crook,
company print marketing manager.
The centerpiece is a steel lockbar under
constant spring tension that wedges on
the ramped blade tang, securing the
blade in the locked position when open.
To disengage, pull back on the lockbar
with your thumb and rotate the blade
closed. As with the Fox Radius, the ABLE
Lock keeps your fingers out of the path
of the closing blade for an extra margin
Designed by Allen Elishewitz, the Hogue Deka is based on the designer’s M2
folder, scaled down for ease of daily carry. It features the company’s ABLE
of safety. The lock exerts minimal drag
Lock for rock solid lockup and easy operation with either hand. on the blade, which helps retain glassy
smooth action.

The XOC Deadbolt Lock features a large release button disguised as an

oversized pivot bolt. A firm press on the button releases the lock. “STEEL BOLTS INTERLOCK
WITH THE BLADE WHEN
IT’S DEPLOYED TO YIELD
INCREDIBLE STRENGTH.”
—MIKE MAY

“There’s nothing different about the

lock,” Crook observes. “Essentially, we
have taken better control of parts with
attention to assembly, which results in a
smoother operation [of the knife].” Since
the lock is ambidextrous, Hogue also
The base models of the Radius have titanium handles addresses southpaws with clip mounting
and Bohler M390 premium stainless steel blades holes drilled and tapped into the left-
in a choice of all-black PVD coating (below) or a hand side of the handle. As an extra
blasted finish. Limited-edition versions incorporate a touch, a small plate covers the machined
marbled carbon fiber handle with a damascus blade.
Production is limited to 30 pieces of each design.
recess the clip sits in on the scale.
Thanks in part to the lightweight yet
strong Gmascus handle, the Deka is
very thin and lightweight, and carries
well in slacks, casual pants or jeans. The
CPM 20CV stainless blade steel holds an
edge for a long time. MSRPs range from
$164.95 for the tumbled blade finish to
$174.95 for the Cerakote® blade.

SHOCK to the SYSTEM

A collaboration between CRKT and
Brazilian knifemaker Flavio Ikoma,
the XOC Deadbolt one-hand opener
is just plain massive! It’s almost like
holding a sheath knife. The 4-inch blade
is a modified drop-point pattern. The
carbon fiber and titanium handle of this
beast measures 6.25 inches.

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 51

BL A DE L OCKS |

Flick the blade until the Deadbolt

mechanism kicks in and secures the
knife open. “The secret to the Deadbolt
Lock lies in its simplicity,” says Mike
May, CRKT public relations manager.
“Steel bolts interlock with the blade
when it’s deployed to yield incredible
strength.” A simple press of the pivot
button releases the lock and allows the
blade to rotate closed.
Ikoma designed both the knife and
the lock mechanism. He wanted a lock
that surpassed all others in strength
but also one safe and easy to operate. “A
key benefit of the Deadbolt is the user’s
fingers do not cross the path of the blade
when disengaging the lock,” May notes.
Despite its steep $750 MSRP, the XOC
(pronounced shock) may be sold out
by the time you read this. It’s a steep
price but the knife is made of premium
materials all around.
One thing: the inclusion of the pocket
Lifting up on the Tasso’s ambidextrous release clip is almost humorous. I tried to clip
button (left) frees the modified clip-point blade
of M390 stainless steel for rotation.
the XOC to my pocket and the knife
took up all of my pants pocket and then
some. It’s impossible for clip carry. I

The Deka comes in three handle colors, two shown

here: black G-10 in a black or tumbled blade and
blue-and-black Gmascus with a tumbled blade.
A camo Gmascus with a black blade is the third.
Options abound!

52 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 FREE KNIFE CATALOG
A complete catalog of knives, including
Damascus, collectors knives, tactical and
work knives, and much more!

Designed by Brazilian knifemaker Flavio Ikoma, one of the

principals behind the revolutionary Ikoma Korth Bearing
System (IKBS) used in the pivots of many custom and factory
folders, the XOC Deadbolt boasts a flat-ground blade of CTS
XHP stainless steel.

recommend a suitable heavy-duty belt LIGHTWEIGHT & STRONG

sheath; even so, the sheer weight—11 Designed by knifemaker Anton To request a free catalog of
ounces, making it one of the heaviest Tkachenko, the Tasso is new from Steel knives, visit our website at
folders on the market—is daunting. Will Knives. One of the folder’s major
www.bokerusa.com or call
As 2020 progresses, CRKT plans to selling points is the Ant Lock, a derivation
release several new models incorporating of the venerable lockback in some ways, 1-800-835-6433
the Deadbolt. though very different in others.
Like the lockback, the Ant Lock has
a tooth that engages a slot in the tang
under spring pressure. This provides

AMERICAN BLADESMITH SOCIETY

In Cooperation With
Haywood Community College
185 Freedlander
Clyde, North Carolina
2020 ABS Bladesmithing Schedule
CLASS DATE INSTRUCTOR
Intro to Bladesmithing March 16-27 S. McGhee & G. Neely
Spring Hammer-In March 19-22 Ken Hall, ABS Director*
Handles & Guards June 8-12 J. Rodebaugh
Intro to Bladesmithing July 27-Aug. 7 McGhee
Intro to Bladesmithing Oct. TBD TBD

For addiƟonal class schedule and registraƟon informaƟon,

The Fox Radius folder was named BLADE ®
call: 828-565-4240 or
®
Magazine’s Overall Knife Of The Year and
®
Imported Knife Of The Year at BLADE
ABS School Coordinator for Haywood Community College:
Show 2019, in no small part for its locking *Ken Hall at 828-400-7815 or email khall@hallenergyconsulƟng.com.
mechanism and stylish design. MSRP: $525.

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 5 3

 WANT A RAZOR EDGE?
B L A DE L O C K S |

• No experience needed • Quick & fast

• Just pull backwards • Maintenance free
• Handmade right here • Tells you when you’re
at Knives Plus finished
KNIVES PLUS STROP BLOCK
800-687-6202 OR WWW.KNIVESPLUS.COM
We are a stocking dealer of most major knife brands since 1987.

M
M · BADER · BALDOR · BURR KING · DEERFOS · DAMASTEEL · DYNABRADE · ELECTRO CHE E
·3

TCH · EVENHEAT · HARDCORE PRODUCTS

©
HERMES · KALAMAZOO · KLINGSPOR ·

760 East Francis Street, Unit N (909) 923-4116

Ontario, California 91761 trugritinc@gmail.com
ABRASIVE BELTS, BLOCKS, DISCS, PADS, ROLLS, STONES & WHEELS ∙ ADHESIVES ∙ BLADE BLANKS ∙
BUFFERS ∙ BUFFING WHEELS ∙ CARBON FIBER ∙ COMPOUNDS ∙ DAMASCUS ∙ ETCHING SUPPLIES ∙ KILNS ∙ The Tasso comes in two sizes. The smaller
GRINDERS ∙ HANDLE MATERIALS ∙ HARDWARE ∙ HEAT TREATING PRODUCTS & SERVICES ∙ KNIFE CASES ∙ one has a handle spacer of blue G-10,
KYDEX ∙ LINERS ∙ MACHINES & ACCESSORIES ∙ MOSAIC PINS ∙ PARTS ∙ SAFETY PRODUCTS ∙ and the larger a spacer of orange G-10.
M SCOTCH-BRITE ∙ SHARPENING SUPPLIES ∙ SHEETS ∙ STEELS ∙ TITANIUM & MUCH MORE
TM · The spacers add a nice pop of color on the
E RIT · NORTON · PEARL · STANDARD ABRASIVES · SURGI-SHARP · VSM · WALTER · WILTON otherwise black handle.

Limited run of Medford Genesis strong lockup in the open position.

Praetorian with solid copper handles. Unlike a lockback, the Ant Lock can be
Picture is one of two with Panzer tank
treads with acid wash. In addiction we quickly disengaged with one hand and
have two acid washed plain and one the blade rotated closed. With practice,
with the World War II “Kilroy Was Here” disengagement can be as quick as
drawing. Pretty special pieces and
something unique. opening the blade.
“From a technical point of view, the
Prices are $950 $
Ant Lock doesn’t require much space

PLAZA
Also look for our “Medford ws” and full metal liners,” says Polina
coming soon! Borukhovich, sales manager for SMG

UTLERY
Randall, Reeve, Rockstead as as Outdoor, Steel Will’s parent company.
some custom knives are also
“However, it’s still very reliable and
Check us out at capable of handling great loads.”
plazacutlery.co il ddan@plazacu
@ l l ry
ry.com
com | ne 714-964-08
714 964 08 The Ant Lock enables Steel Will to offer
a lightweight knife without the bulk, yet
retains a strong lock that isn’t dependent
on heavy-duty construction. It is totally
ambidextrous and, as with other of the
test knives, your fingers do not cross
the path of the blade during operation,
reducing the likelihood of accidental
cuts. Being under spring tension like
the other locks, the Ant Lock requires
a medium-firm push up of the exposed
thumb studs to release the blade.
Offered in 3- and 3.5-inch blades, each
Tasso has a steel pocket clip for tip-up
carry. The M390 stainless holds an edge
really well, perhaps best of all high-end
blade steels on the market.

5 4 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 CHAD NICHOLS DAMASCUS
High carbon, high contrast Damascus
Stainless Damascus
Mosaic Damascus
Mokume
Large quantities and wholesale
pricing available

662.538.5966 662.255.0524 www.chadnicholsdamascus.com

The Deka blade is

high-flat-ground
CPM 20CV stainless
steel known for
outstanding edge
holding and corrosion
resistance.

I found the knife to be comfortable.

The handle raised no hot spots nor did I
experience any slippage. Due to the grip’s
rounded profi le, you might not find the
knife ideal for EDC. MSRPs: $169.99 for
the larger model F12-01 and $159.99 for
the smaller F12M-02.

EXCITING TIME
If any of these knives interest you, be
sure to carefully research them on
the manufacturer’s websites to read
more about the respective locking 2019 Knife Collaboration of the Year Winner!
mechanisms. This is truly an exciting
An exceptional backwoods (or EDC) companion
time to be a knife enthusiast!
LARS FÄLT LOCK BACK
For the contact information for the knives KS17004 - MSRP: $190
and sources in the story see “Where To BÖHLER N690 STEEL
Get ’Em” on page 71. SCANDI GROUND
CURLY BIRCH SCALES
7” OVERALL
For the latest knives, knife news, trends
4 1/8” CLOSED
and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s 3” BLADE
popular Instagram page @blade_ 4” HANDLE
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter. JUST 4 OZ

Visit our website for more details http://casiberia.com/ - Or call us at (800) 635-9366 - Dealer inquiries welcome

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 5 5

SPE C SHEET | BY MSG KIM BREED 5TH SPECIAL FORCES (RETIRED)
ALL IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

YOU SAY
N E’ ’N Y T’ S
O L LII ’ DI
The bird’s-beak handle of Nate’s
kitchen knife is handsome.

MODEL: Light prep kitchen knife

MAKER: Nate Summers
BLADE LENGTH: 7 3/8”
BLADE STEEL: 1095 carbon
BLADE WIDTH: 1 7/16”
HANDLE: Quilted maple w/buffalo horn
OVERALL LENGTH: 12.75”
MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $300

Nate’s knife made slicing easy. It

was simple to control the super thin
slices with no ripping or squishing of
the Romaine tomato.

5 6 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 Payton’s knife sliced the tomato very thin and
clean. It took the author a few slices to get the
control down. The wider blade kept the tomato
pieces from collapsing.

MODEL: Chef’s knife

MAKER: Payton Pelland
BLADE LENGTH: 7.75”
BLADE MATERIAL: 52100 carbon
steel core, 410 stainless steel clad
BLADE WIDTH: 2 3/16”
HANDLE: Sculpted G-10 w/raindrop

K
itchen knives have been comingg on
strong the past two years, so we de- The look of the blade of Pay- mokume
he
cided to do a couple this time: th ton’s knife is striking with the OVERALL LENGTH: 13 1/8”
light-prep chef’s knife by Nate Sum-- carbon steel core and stainless MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $700
mers and a standard’s chef’s model steel cladding.
by Payton Pelland. These styles of
knives are used on a daily basis
cutting vegetables and meat. Edges
have to be sharp and must last. Handles
are an individual choice but must be
comfortable however you grip your knife
while prepping food. I will go through
some food prep and a little more.
To check the edge, 20-pound bond
stationery was first on the list. Nate’s
blade zipped through the paper quickly.
The knife is very lightweight and
extremely fast at slicing. Payton’s knife
sliced through the bond quickly as well.
It has more weight and a tad thicker
blade. It cut aggressively.
Single-walled cardboard was next.
Payton’s knife sliced the full depth of Nate’s knife sailed through the pineapple fast and clean. There was hardly any resistance at all.
Payton’s knife was just as quick. The author felt more resistance during the slice because of the
the blade before I felt any resistance in thicker blade.
the cardboard. A few rub marks showed

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 57

SPE C SH EET |

Payton’s knife sent big chunks of half-inch-thick fir plank flying with no damage to the cutting edge. In fact, the knife still shaved hair. Nate’s
knife sent smaller chips flying and chopped great for its light weight.

up on the darker parts of the edge, as dices of my favorite, zucchini. The wider USIN’ ’n ABUSIN’
expected. Nate’s knife sliced cleanly and blade of Payton’s knife really came through It was time to step things up a notch
quickly for the depth of the blade. I had for controlling cuts and keeping my fingers by chopping into a half-inch-thick fir
to put a little more strength into the push safe. It slid up and down on my knuckles plank. I hard chopped the knives into the
cut for deeper slices. for the full cut so I could get some good fir 20 times to form a “V” notch. Payton’s
speed going. Nate’s knife cut fast but I had knife performed great. Big chunks of
SLICIN’ ’n DICIN’ to slow down to keep my fingers out of the fir went flying all over the garage with
I started the food portion of the test way so I didn’t add any skin to the salad. no damage to the cutting edge. In fact,
menu by slicing Romaine tomatoes. The handle is extremely comfortable. the knife still shaved hair. Nate’s knife
The thinner blade of Nate’s knife made Next up: the pineapple slice. Nate’s sent smaller chips flying and chopped
the task easy. It was simple to control knife sailed through the pineapple fast great for its light weight. This test could
the super thin slices with no ripping or and clean and moved the top half only constitute abuse of a kitchen knife. I had
squishing of the tomato. Payton’s knife 1/8 inch over. There was hardly any fun, though.
sliced the tomato very thin and clean. resistance at all. Payton’s knife was just
It took me a few slices to get the control as quick and moved the top part over 3/4 CHANGES
down. The wider blade kept the tomato inch. I felt more resistance during the Nothing stands out as needing a change
pieces from collapsing. slice because of the thicker blade. for each model’s intended purpose.
The test menu continued with slices and

5 8 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
Nate’s knife zipped through the paper
quickly. The knife is very lightweight and ex- :25/'·6/$5*(67$5066+2:
:$1(10$&+(5·6
tremely fast at slicing. Payton’s knife zipped
through the stationery quickly as well. It
has more weight and a tad thicker blade. It

sliced aggressively.

 78/6$$506
78/6$$5066+2:
6+2:
EXCELLENT JOB
Both knives worked great in the kitchen.
 $35,/  
:25/'·6/$5*(67*816+2:,6$*5($76+2:)25.1,9(67$%/(62)*816
Individual preferences on width and .1,9(66:25'6$17,48($1'02'(51),5($506$1'025(
weight will determine which of the 620(7+,1*)25(9(5<21(,1025(7+$10,/(62)(;+,%,76
knives is right for you. I own different $)7(5<($56,7·67+(%(675($/*816+2:,17+( :25/'
knives for different chores. These knives &$//DPSP TABLES
will work in any kitchen—an excellent AVAILABLE
job by both makers! ZZZ7XOVD$UPV6KRZFRP
The makers warrant their knives to be free
of material defects as long as the knives
are not abused. For more information
contact Nate Summers on Instagram @
natetheblademaker, visit nateknife.com or
call 801-815-5441, and/or Payton Pelland
on Instagram @gamblercustom, visit
gamblercustom.com or call 623-256-2832.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page @blade_
magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 5 9

GRI P SHAPE | BY JORDAN LAMOTHE ABS JOURNEYMAN SMITH

Brion Tomberlin
B T used mammoth
m ivoryy handle slabs and 1018
carbon steel for the frame, guard and bolster of the coffin
handle for his Pearce
P a Fighter.
t The 9-inch blade a with
w hamon
flat
a ground from W2 W tool steel. Check k out the Spanish notch
h
at the choil. Overall
O length: 14 inches. The maker’s list price
for a similar
m knife: $1,890. (SharpByCoop
y image)
m

6 0 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
 One of the more famous historical coffin-handle bowies is the guardless one attributed to
the 19th-century Cherokee chief Tah-chee (inset with what is believed to be the knife tucked
in his sash in a painting by Charles Bird King done circa 1837). The handle is wood with a
silver-wrap and a silver escutcheon plate. (knife image from The Antique Bowie Knife Book;
image of Bird painting is a copy of a lithograph courtesy of J. Logan Sewell)

knives,” suggests ABS master smith as “pulling pieces of history without

Brion Tomberlin. “Take a classic bowie using them in historical ways.” He
knife and then make it your own.” states the dagger’s configuration is
The sentiment is one that echoes loosely based on small early-American
around the knifemaking community, models, but that the design process
and Tomberlin’s “Pearce Fighter” is was more focused on finding a handle
an excellent example of the principle. shape that perfectly complemented

F
ound on bowies and daggers dat- The knife is based directly on the work the blade rather than on imitating
ing to the early 19th century, the and style of Hill Pearce. In the lineage any historical style. The coffin handle
coffin handle has come to signify of coffin-handle knives, Pearce’s work fits the bill perfectly, with its flared
a uniquely American knife. It is an ef- is relatively recent. He retired from shape referencing both the narrow
fective handle shape—as long as it is knifemaking around 1992, and Brion ricasso and the wide blade. The result
well made. It allows for a secure grip, had the privilege of directly consulting is a thoroughly contemporary piece
efficient transfer of power from hand to with him prior to the build. Tomberlin’s composed of historical elements.
blade, and the ability to index the blade knife makes use of Pearce’s slim coffin ABS journeyman smith Tom Ward
accurately. handle design and pointy blade profile, is very deliberate with his historical
Both history and function are but he “makes it his own” by adding his references in his Djinn’s Toothpick
important to today’s knifemakers, signature hamon, distinctive filework bowie—as one might expect given
who strive to make pieces that feel and guard profile. that his current master’s thesis theme
comfortable, look good and carry ABS journeyman smith Matt is “the modern smith’s ability to
a greater meaning than simply the Parkinson favors a more free-form juxtapose elements of history.” Djinn’s
quality of execution. approach for his coffin-handle dagger, Toothpick epitomizes this compilation
“If you are a knifemaker, I think though still employing historical of historical components in both its
you ought to go back and look at old inspiration. He describes his process material combination and design,

Djinn’s Toothpick by Tom Ward includes ironwood coffin handle slabs, a stainless steel
frame and liners, and a chevron damascus bolster and guard. The 10-inch flat-ground
blade is wootz. Overall length: 15 inches. The maker’s list price for a similar knife: $2,800.
(SharpByCoop image)

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 61

GRI P SHAPE |

The coffin handle of Tommy Gann’s knife—winner of Best Bowie at the 2019 ICCE—features
ancient walrus ivory slabs, a twisted damascus frame, guard and finial, and nickel silver liners.
The 10-inch, flat-ground blade is mosaic damascus. Overall length: 15 inches. Gann’s list
price for a similar knife: $5,000. (SharpByCoop image)

and it employs the coffin handle considerable amount of inspiration Tomberlin points out that coffin
as a vigorous nod to the American from historical knives, often referring handles are “tough to get looking
knifemaking tradition. to various books on antique bowies. right.” He stresses the importance of
For the blade, Ward chose wootz steel His featured coffin-handle knife won drawing out the whole design first to
made by a method widely practiced in Best Bowie at the 2019 International try out different styles, proportions
the Middle East and India for centuries. Custom Cutlery Exposition (ICCE). and curvatures to see what works best.
The coffin handle is desert ironwood, a It is the first of a new style for him. Gann has a similar approach and also
distinctly American material. He also Though the knife still incorporates sketches out each of his knives before
added stainless steel and his own pattern many traditional bowie features— beginning construction. He adds
welding for a touch of the modern. including the coffin handle—the blade that drawing the designs also enables
From a design perspective, the knife profile is more dynamic than historical him to order the proper materials in
takes the shape of a large bowie with an knives. The recurve blade and upswept appropriate sizes to avoid any hang-
elegantly styled, faceted coffin handle. But clip speak a more modern language ups during the build. To guide his
even with its distinctly American grip, and thrust the traditional coffin design process, Gann uses templates
ricasso and plunge line, it also references handle into a new context. taken from previous knives he has
slender, upswept Middle Eastern blades built. Placing a handle template on the
via its exaggerated clip point. FUNCTION & AESTHETICS blade sketch allows him to instantly
ABS master smith Tommy Gann Once a knifemaker decides to see whether an idea will work or not.
specializes in frame-handle bowies, incorporate the coffin handle into Parkinson notes that using whole-
often with traditional profiles and a knife, he then faces the challenge number ratios to determine the
handle designs. Like Tomberlin, of fine-tuning the design to be both handle’s proportions can streamline
Parkinson and Ward, he takes a visually appealing and functional. the design process and ensure the

Matt Parkinson built more of an understated coffin handle for his dagger. Handle slabs:
maple. The 8.5-inch blade is mosaic damascus. Overall length: 15.5 inches. His list
price for a similar knife: $2,000. (SharpByCoop image)

6 2 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
Bill Greulich uses ebony for the coffin handle of his bowie. The 7-inch blade is
1084 carbon steel and the bolster and guard are 416 stainless steel. Overall
length: 12 inches. (SharpByCoop image)

knife will appear visually balanced. steel-frame-handle construction and material combination can be too heavy,
For example, matching the width of mammoth ivory scales. Steel and ivory particularly with light or small blades.
the bolster to the width of the ricasso are both heavy materials that serve to In such cases, he removes weight from
and the handle swell to the width of the bring the weight of the knife closer to the handle by drilling holes in the
blade helps the primary components of the handle and balance out the long, frame, liners and even the tang until
the knife visually relate to one another. wide blade. he achieves the proper balance.
Regarding handle size, Ward recalls Gann uses the same principle as
that ABS journeyman smith Mace Tomberlin for balancing his knives, SYMMETRY is KEY
Vitale, who studies antique bowies, told but adds that sometimes the handle- Perhaps the biggest difficulty in
him “the swell of the coffin should seat
in the palm.” This calls for a shorter
handle than those found on many
modern knives. Ward describes it as “a
mobile, loose-grip kind of knife.”
HAWKINS KNIFE MAKING SUPPLIES
110 BUCKEYE RD., FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214
“VISUAL BALANCE GOES PHONE 770-964-1023
Contact us for your
HAND-IN-HAND WITH
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PHYSICAL BALANCE AND
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GENERAL FEEL.” Send $2.00 for Complete Listing • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

—THE AUTHOR

Visual balance goes hand-in-hand with

physical balance and general feel. Ward
emphasizes the fact that coffin-handle
knives originally were designed as edged
weapons, and edged “weapons are light
and fast.” Consequently, the handle of a
historically correct version of such a knife
must be weighted appropriately.
Tomberlin states that for a knife to
feel light and quick, it should balance 4857 South Orange Blossom Trail
right around the ricasso. In order to Orlando, Florida 32839 407-855-8075
achieve the proper balance point in
his Pearce Fighter, with its long blade NEW 80TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOG – PRICE $2.00
and slim handle, Brion opted for INTL. MAILING – CATALOG US $6.00 http://www.randallknives.com

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 6 3

GRI P SHAPE |

higher degree of precision. For Djinn’s

Toothpick, Ward’s faceeted handle
required an additional deggree of layout
in order to ensure the faceets remained
consistent in angle and wid dth.
Parkinson uses tem mplates and
ndles too, but
centerlines for his coffin han
notes that any pins in the grip
g also can
act as reference points, particularly for
shaping rounded hidden-tang designs.
For his coffin-handle daagger—which
has no pins—he had to rely solely on his
experienced eye for the fina l sculpting.
Gann points out that frrame-handle
construction, which is commonc for
coffin handles, gives thee maker an
extra set of visual referencces. In other
words, the parallel edges o of the frame
and liners make it easierr to achieve
a pleasing front/back sym mmetry. He
finds that exact symmetryy is easier to
achieve on such handles than t it is on
the heavily contoured shap pes that also
are popular today.

KNIFEMAKING LEGACY Y
Each of the featured smit hs takes the
traditional form of the co offin handle
and makes it his, combin ning it with
new blade shapes and in different
proportions. From there,, the smith
finishes the piece with a high
h degree
of precision and craftsman nship.
By referencing designss of the
past, makers place themsselves in
a dialog concerning the leegacy of
knifemaking as a whole, while their
meticulous attention to design,
function and execution loo oks to
ft ever
the future, pushing the craft
forward toward perfection. Short swords can have coffin hilts
Stained curly maple handle slabs with too. Rubem Lorenz demonstrates
silver wire inlay and a silver pin complete For the contact information the concept in mammoth ivory scales
and a damascus frame and pommel
the coffin handle of a small fixed blade for the knives and sources in with a deer head engraved in gold.
by Steve Nuckels. The 3 3/8-inch blade the story see “Where To Geet
is L6 antique saw blade steel and the The 16-inch flat-ground blade is a W’s
guard is copper. Overall length: 7 inches.
’Em” on page 71. pattern damascus. Overall length: 21.25
(SharpByCoop image) inches. (SharpByCoop image)
For the latest knives,
knife news, trends and
constructing a coffin handle is making more visit blademag.
it perfectly symmetrical—both front to com, BLADE®’s popular
back and in profile. Instagram page @
Ward and Tomberlin agree that blade_magazine, and on
the key to executing the symmetry Facebook and Twitter.
is careful layout. Handle templates
and scribed centerlines are excellent
reference tools and help achieve a

6 4 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 MARKETPLACE
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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
A G O
A.G. Russell ...................................... 5 Gun Digest ...................................... 31 On Point Knives .............................. 24 Tulsa Gun Show Inc ..................... 59
American Bladesmith Society ........ 53 Ontario Knife Company .................. 84 V
B H p VZ Grips .......................................... 37
Blackwell Knives ............................. 30 Hawkins Knifemaking Supplies...... 63 Plaza Cutlery................................... 54 W
Blade Magazine ..................21, 25, 29 Hogue Knives ................................. 15 Pro-Tech Knives, LLC .................... 39 W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, Co. ....... 2
BladeGallery-Takefu Steel USA..... 17 J PVK.COM ....................................... 83 White River Knife & Tool Inc .......... 55
Blue Ridge Knives .......................... 65 Jantz Supply ............................. 11, 27 Q White, Gordon................................. 65
Boker USA ................................ 14, 53 K QSP Knife ......................................... 5
Buckeye Engraving-Steel Stamps . 59 Kayne Custom Hardware dba Black- R
C smith’s Depot ................................ 47 Randall Made Knives ..................... 63
CAS Iberia....................................... 55 Knife & Gun Finishing Supplies ..... 44 Recon 1........................................... 26
Chris Reeve Knives ........................ 15 Knives Plus ..................................... 54 S
D Krudo Knives .................................. 65 Smoky Mountain Knife Works.......... 7
Damascus, Nichols......................... 55 M Spartan Blades ............................... 54
Davidson, Edmund ......................... 65 Masecraft Supply Co ...................... 30 Spyderco, Inc .................................. 18
Denton, John-Vintage Loveless ..... 65 MGE Wholesale................................ 3 T
Dozier Knives.................................. 45 N TFS Knives ..................................... 65
E NC Tool Company .......................... 24 TOPS Knives .................................... 9
Evenheat Kiln, Inc........................... 55 Niagara Specialty Metals.................. 8 Tormach, LLC ................................. 19
F Nordic Knives.................................... 8 Tru-Grit ............................................ 54
Fallkniven ........................................ 45 True North Knives........................... 47

Don’t Miss The Next The advertisers’ index is provided as a reader service. Occasional last-minute changes may result in ads
appearing on pages other than those listed here. The publisher assumes no liability for omissions or errors.

Lori McDaniel
Advertising Sales Issue Date Ad Deadline
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ORDER YOUR ADVERTISING TODAY! lori@gundigest.com June 2020 March 25, 2020

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 6 7

WH AT ’S NEW | BY BLADE® STAFF

PATTERN: Chef’s knife

KNIFE: Petit 42
BLADE LENGTH: 9”
DESIGNER: French knifemaker
BLADE STEEL: A feathered damascus of 1080 Philippe Jourget
carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder
HANDLE MATERIAL: Spalted maple
BLADE LENGTH: 2.8”
SPACER MATERIAL: Bronze and G-10
BLADE MATERIAL: D2 tool steel
OVERALL LENGTH: 14 1/8”
BLADE THICKNESS: .1”
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR
KNIFE: $1,300 BLADE PATTERN: Modified wharncliffe
KNIFE TO KNOW: The wife of ABS master HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steels
smith David Lisch, Andrea has been making LOCK: Framelock
knives seven years, a member of the ABS WEIGHT: 4.2 ozs.
for several years, and has been a full- CLOSED LENGTH: 3.3”
time blacksmith and helped run the Lisch KNIFE TO KNOW: Blade operatess on ball
business for 25 years bearings; spacer is G-10
MAKER: Andrea Lisch, Dept. BL3, 16948 MSRP: $104.95
Lonemire Rd. SE, Yelm, WA 98597 COMPANY: Boker Plus, c/o Boker USA, attn:
amlisch@earthlink.net (Eric Eggly image) N. Nevins, Dept. BL3, 1550 Balsaam St.,
Lakewood, CO 80215 800-992-6537537 fax 303
303-
462-0668 www.bokerusa.com

KNIFE NAME: TOCK (Tuck Ochs Collaboration

Knife)
KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder
BLADE LENGTH: 4”
BLADE STEEL: CPM 154 stainless
MODEL: Gyuto BLADE GEOMETRY: Full flat bevel grind
BLADE LENGTH: 8” HANDLE MATERIAL: Burgundy linen Micarta®
BLADE MATERIAL: A wolf’s tooth damascus of BOLSTER: Raindrop damascus
1080 carbon and 15N20 nickel alloy steels LOCK: Linerlock
HANDLE DESIGN: “Scandinavian modern” CLOSED LENGTH: 5”
HANDLE MATERIAL: Dyed beefwood KNIFE TO KNOW: The TOCK is a three-way
SPACER MATERIAL: Silicon bronze and collaboration designed by the maker’s father,
vulcanized paper William Tuch, and Eric Ochs, and built by the
OVERALL LENGTH: 13 3/8” maker
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR PIECE: MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE:
$1,495 $2,000 range, depending on materials
MAKER: David Tuthill, Dept. BL3, 1415 NW MAKER: Eric Tuch, Dept. BL3, 4145 NE
49th St., Seattle, WA 98107 206-229- Lully Blvd., Portland, OR 97218 503-593-
6008 firehorseforge@gmail. eric tuch@gmail com (Eric
9160 eric.tuch@gmail.com
com (Eric Eggly image) Eggly image)

6 8 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 KNIFE: Mozaik
PATTERN: Folding dagger
KNIFE: Damascus dress butterfly BLADE LENGTH: 3.6”
BLADE LENGTH: 4.375” BLADE STEEL: 9Cr18MoV stainless
BLADE MATERIAL: 240 layers of BLADE THICKNESS: .187”
1084 carbon and 15N20 nickel- HANDLE: Carbon fiber inserts
alloy steels in a random pattern LOCK: Framelock
damascus
WEIGHT: 6.1 ozs.
HANDLE: Frame material same as a
the blade w/mother-of-pearl set in the CLOSED LENGTH: 4.5””
“windows” KNIFE TO KNOW: Thee flipper folder’s blade
LINERS and SPACERS: Fully is single-edged and operates on ceramic-
fileworked, jeweled and nitre bluued ball-bearing washerss
KNIFE TO KNOW: All screws are MSRP: $165
fileworked and heat colored; there is COMPANY: Krudo, Deppt. BL3, attn:
no handle latch Louis Krudo, Dept. BL3, 6450 E.
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A Cave Creek Rd. #1066, Cave
SIMILAR KNIFE: $800 Creek, AZ 85331 727--753-8455
info@krudoknives.ccom,
MAKER: Frank Edwards, Edwardds@ www.krudoknives.coom
gmail.com, Edwardsknives.com

KNIFE NAME: Black Mamba

KNIFE TYPE: Flipper folder KNIFE NAME: Behemother Chopper
BLADE LENGTH: 2.78” BLADE LENGTH: 12”
BLADE STEEL: Bohler M390 stai ss BLADE MATERIAL: Delta 3V carbon steel
BLADE THICKNESS: .157” ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 60.5 HRC
BLADE PATTERN: Reverse Tanto BLADE GRIND ANGLE: Narrow
BLADE FINISH: Non-reflective SCALE MATERIAL: Micarta® and rubber
blackwash DLC WEIGHT: 28 ozs.
HANDLE & BACKSPACER: 6Al-4V OVERALL LENGTH: 18”
titanium SHEATH: Drop-loop Kydex®
HANDLE FINISH: Blackwash DLC w w/ KNIFE TO KNOW: Features a hole for a forward
hexagon texture lanyard
LOCK: Framelock MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR KNIFE:
POCKET CLIP: Blade tip-up, right-hand carrry $915
ACTION: Ceramic ball bearings MAKER: Carothers Performance Knives,,
KNIFE TO KNOW: Designed by Off-GGrid Knivees attn: Nathan Carothers, carothersknives@
and built by We Knife gmail.com, carothersknives.com,
MSRP: $249 bladeforums.com/forums/carothers-
COMPANY: Off-Grid Knives, Westlake, California, performance-knives.929
offgridknives.com, offgrid@offgridknives.com, (SharpByCoop image)
Instagram: @offgridknives

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 6 9

WH AT ’S NEW |

BOOK TITLE: The Artistry of KNIFE NAME: Golden Compass Spartan Harsey
Ralph P. Bone Folder
AUTHOR: J. Huxley Walters DESIGNER: William W. “Bill” Harsey, Jr.
PAGES: 280 of script and 331 collor KNIFE TYPE: Folder
images on silk paper BLADE LENGTH: 4”
COVER: Case bound by faux leatther BLADE STEEL: CPM S35VN stainless
cover and slipcover ROCKWELL HARDNESS: 58-60 HRC
FORMAT: 8.5 by 11” coffee-tablee-type BLADE THICKNESS: .15”
presentation HANDLE FRAME: 6Al-4V titanium
CONTENTS: Section one focusess on the HANDLE FINISH: Gold compass etched over black
knives of Bone and also Enedino De PVD-coating on both sides
Leon; includes reviews and illustrations
ustrations HAND
HANDLE E THICKNESS: .5”
of all knife models of Ralph Bone Knife Co. LOCK: Framelock
and many by De Leon Made Knives; section WEIGHTT: 5.89 ozs.
11 covers Bone’s gun making and engraving, CLOSED LENGTH: 4 13/16”
with examples, prefaced by instructions from KNIFE TOT K OW: Reversible pocket clip and dual
engraver Ron Smith on evaluating quality mb studs make the knife ambidextrous
thum
engraving MSRPP: $525
MSRP: $109.95 (early 2020 delivery) or $39.95 for MPANY: Spartan Blades, attn: C.
COM
the E-book option Ioovito, Dept. BL3, 625 S.E. Service Rd.,
COMPANY: Artistry At Arms, ArtistryAtArms. Southern
S Pines, NC 28387 910-757-0035,
com, info@artistryatarms.com contact@spartanblades.com, www.
spartanbladesusa.com

KNIFE PATTERN: Fighter

KNIFE NAME: Whaler’s Knife BLADE LENGTH: 8”
PATTERN: Sunfish BLADE STEEL: Feather damascus of 1075 carbon
KNIFE TYPE: Traditional and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels
pocketknife/slip joint BLADE PATTERN: Clip point
BLADE LENGTHS: 2” and 3” HANDLE MATERIAL: Mammoth ivory
BLADE MATERIAL: Raindrop GUARD: “S” type of blackened mild steel
damascus forged by Joe Burke SPACER and FRAME: Same material as the blade
HANDLE MATERIAL: Mammoth ivoory OVERALL LENGTH: 13.5”
SHIELD TYPE: New York banner MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILAR PIECE:
KNIFE TO KNOW: Also called a sailoor’s knife; big $2,500
blade features quarter stops and the small blade MAKER: Kelly Vella, Dept. BL3, 16004 Orange
features a half stop; fileworked lineers Blossom Rd., Oakdale, CA 95361 209-614-1012
MAKER’S LIST PRICE FOR A SIMILLAR KNIFE: Vvkv2004@gmail.com (Eric Eggly image)
$1,800 to $2,200, depending on bladde steel
MAKER: Tobin Hill, Dept. BL3, POB 714,
Pleasonton, TX 78064 210-414-99822, toby@
ricksinsurance.com (Eric Eggly image)
mage)

For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
Instagram page at @blade_magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.

70 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 W HER E TO G E T ’E M |

FORGED SUB-HILTS P. 12 Tool Group, attn: K. McGuire, Dept. BL3, 12106

David Broadwell, Dept. BL3, PO Box 3373, NE Ainsworth, Portland, OR 97220-0595 800-
Wichita Falls, TX 76301, Phone: 940-782- 847-8665 503.253.7830 www.leatherman.com,
4442, david@broadwellstudios.com; Web: info@leatherman.com
www.broadwellstudios.com; Josh Fisher,
JN Fisher Knives, Dept. BL3, 8419 CR 3615, BANK-VAULT-TIGHT LOCKS P. 48
Murchison, TX 75778, Phone: 903-203- CRKT, attn: M. May, Dept. BL3, 18348 SW 126th
2130, fisherknives@aol.com; Web: www. Place, Tualatin, OR 97062 800-891-3100 info@
jnfisherknives.com; Kevin Klein, Dept. BL3, 129 crkt.com, www.crkt.com; Fox Knives, attn.:
Cedar St., Apt. 2, Boston, MA 02119, Phone: Massimo Centazzo, Dept. BL3, Oreste Frati SRL,
609-937-8949, kevin.a.klein779@gmail.com; Via La Mola, 4, 33085 Maniago (PN), Italy 39-
David Lisch, Dept. BL3, 16948 Longmire Rd., 0427-730376 foxcutlery.com, fkmdknives.com
Yelm, WA 98597, Phone: 206-919-5431, Web: and/or duecignicutlery.it; Hogue Knives, attn:
www.davidlisch.com; Samuel Lurquin, Dept. Bill Crook, Dept. BL3, POB 91360, Henderson,
BL3, Hameau Du Bois, Hoyaux 10, 7133 Bu- NV 89009 805-239-1440 800-438-4747 office@
vrinnes Belgique, Binches, BELGIUM, Phone: hogueinc.com, hogueknives.com; Steel Will, c/o
0032-478-349-051, knifespirit@hotmail.com; Sport Manufacturing Group, Dept. BL3, 1840
Web: www.samuel-lurquin.com; Steve Randall, County Line Rd., Ste. 111, Huntingdon Valley, PA
Dept. BL3, 3438 Oak Ridge Cir., Lincolnton, 19006 877-969-0909 info@smgoutdoor.com,
NC 28092, Phone: 704-472-4957, steve@ steelwillknives.com
ksrblades.com; Web: www.ksrblades.com
COFFIN HANDLES P. 60

ISSU KNAP TIME P. 22

Woody Blackwell, www.woodyblackwell.com,
woodyblackwell@gmail.com; Michael Miller, Ar-
Tommy Gann, Dept. BL3, 2876 State Hwy. 198,
Canton, TX 75103, Phone: 903-848-9375; Bill

On Most Newsstands
Greulich, Dept. BL3, 220 Franklin Rd., Ste. A,
chaic Arts, Flintknappers.com https://flintknap- Randolph, NJ 07869; Rubem Lorenz, Dept. BL3,
By March 24 pers.com/store/archaic-arts; Jeremy Parker,
Broad River Knapping/Jeremy Parker Gallery,
Treze de Maio 108, Sao Leopoldo, RS, Brazil
93125-320 813-585-0222 rubemlorenzcustom-
Flintknappers.com, https://flintknappers.com/ knives.com, rsnak@gmail.com, Instagram @
store/broad-river-knapping, parkerarts@yahoo. rubem347, Facebook: rubemlorenzfacascustom;
com, Facebook: Broad River Native Arts Stephen Nuckels, Dept. BL3, 1105 Potomac
Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21742, Phone: 301-739-
• NEW BUSHCRAFT CARBON-BASED KNIFE FORMS P. 32 1287, sgnucks@myactv.net; Matt Parkinson,
BLADES Israel Franco, Instagram @francoblades, @atx.
engraving; Christian Mathieson, Dept. BL3, #10
DRAGON’S BREATH FORGE, Dept. BL3, 10
Swiss Ln., Wolcott, CT 06716, Phone: 203-
Warra Long Ave., Greensboro, VIZ, Australia 879-1786, swordmatt@yahoo.com and info@
• LATEST FIRESTARTER 3088 +61408882468 c_mathieson@yahoo.com,
Instagram @mathieson_knives; Mike Nelson,
fallinghammerproductions.com; Web: www.
dragonsbreathforge.com; Brion Tomberlin,
KNIVES Instagram @stillwatersforge; Kevin Room, ANVIL TOP CUSTOM KNIVES, Dept. BL3, 825
Instagram @room_custom_knives; Alex Ruiz, W Timberdell, Norman, OK 73072, Phone: 405-
Instagram @Volundr_forge; Jimmy Schmitz, 202-6832, anviltopp@aol.com; Tom Ward, Dept.
• PUUKKOS: FATHER Instagram @jimmyknives; Andrew Takach, BL3, 204 Village Rd., Wilmot, NH 03287, Phone:
OF BUSHCRAFT Instagram @Takach_forge 508-277-3190, tempestcraft@gmail.com; Web:
www.tempestcraft.com
EDGED TOOLS? TIME-WARP KNIVES P. 34
Shayne Carter, Dept. BL3, 5302 Rosewood HOW TO BUY CUSTOM KNIVES PART I P. 76
Cir., Payson, UT 84651, Phone: 801-913-0181, Ron Appleton, Dept. BL3, 315 Glenn St, Bluff
• LIKE A HOLE IN shaynemcarter@hotmail.com; Vince Evans
Dept. BL3, POB 3604, Show Low, AZ 85902
Dale, TX 76433, Phone: 254-707-2922; cell:
254-396-9328, ronappleton@hotmail.com;
THE HANDLE 809-443-8198 evansvk@gmail.com, picture- Web: www.appletonknives.com; Dan Dugdale,
trail.com/vevans; Scott Gallagher, Dept. BL3, Dept. BL3, 11 Eleanor Road, Walpole, MA
335 Winston Manor Rd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 02081, Phone: 508-404-6509, dlpdugdale@
• 50TH ANNIVERSARY 32459, Phone: 850-865-8264, scottgallagh- comcast.net; Wolfgang Loerchner, WOLFE FINE
OF THE er04@gmail.com; Facebook: SGallagherKnives;
Zach Jonas, Dept. BL3, 204 Village Rd., Wilmot,
KNIVES, Dept. BL3, PO Box 255, Bayfield, ON,
CANADA N0M 1G0, Phone: 519-565-2196; Evan
KNIFEMAKERS’ GUILD NH 03287, Phone: 603-877-0128, zack@
jonasblade.com; www.jonasblade.com; Andrew
Nicolaides evan@esnyx.com; Mamoru Shigeno,
Dept. BL3, 2-12-3 Hirosehigashi, Sayama-shi,
Meers, Dept. BL3, 1100 S Normal Ave., Allyn Saitama, 350-1320, JAPAN, shigeno-knife@
• HOW TO BUY CUSTOM Bldg MC 4301, Carbondale, IL 62901, Phone:
774-217-3574, namsuechool@gmail.com
tbc.t-com.ne.jp; Web: http://www2.tbb.t-com.

KNIVES PART II
ne.jp/shigeno-knife/

SHEAR THIS! P. 40 For the latest knives, knife news, trends and
CAS Iberia, attn: B. Pogue, Dept. BL3, 650 more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s popular
• GRIPS FROM THE BOG Industrial Blvd., Sale Creek, TN 37373-9797 Instagram page @blade_magazine, and on
423.332.4700 bpogue@casiberia.com, www. Facebook and Twitter.
casiberia.com; Gerber, attn: A. Gritzbaugh, Dept.
BL3, 14200 SW 72nd, Portland, OR 97223 800-
950-6161 www.gerbergear.com; Leatherman

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 71

KNI FE TA LK | BY ED FOWLER BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Opportunity PASS IT FORWARD—AND NO SECRETS, PLEASE!

When buffing, blades heat up quick. It is very

easy to decide to hold the blade with a rag to
protect your hand from getting over heated.
However, remember: rags, loose clothing, long
hair, etc., are all too easy to get caught in the
wheel and can lead to serious injury—or worse.

72 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
 SAFETY FIRST profession. He retired and opened a
Harry Slater taught “safety first”—safety machine shop. He did not like kids and,
around grinders, saws, lathes and other as far as I know, I was the only child
machinery that turned with very simple ever to be allowed in his shop. It took
and easy-to-understand instructions— me awhile, and I kind of conned him
watched us like a hawk, and added a lot of by shoveling the snow away from his
emphasis through demonstrations. These entrances for free. It obviously took a lot
were lessons I have used all my life and of enthusiasm on my part, but he finally
sometimes forgot, but not for long. A few allowed me inside the shop. I observed
stitches and bruises are ready reminders. him for about a month, after which he
Opportunity and safety go hand-in- gave me a job sweeping the floor. There
hand, though we are born with neither. was no pay—other than being allowed
If no one is available to guide you, inside the shop instead of looking in
never be bashful about seeking safety through the window.
information. Visit someone who works For me, this was a great opportunity.
in your chosen field of interest and ask My enthusiasm paid off, I learned a lot
them to show you. from him and we became friends. I was
For instance, I feel very strongly that too young to learn everything he could
all knife schools should teach basic convey, but he did teach me how to use
safety around buffers. However, some a fi le and a hacksaw. This sounds simple
figure it is too dangerous to instruct and easily done, but there is a lot to learn
students in the use of live buffers, and with each tool.
The author received his first real knowledge
about hardening and tempering a blade from leave the students to learn on their own Clearly, I was in a great place.
Bill Moran (above). rather than teach them the basics.
SHOP PROJECTS

I
distinctly remember my first high A GREAT PLACE My first school shop project was to refinish
school shop teacher, Harry Slater, a There are many teachers. We just have to an old Mossberg .22 rifle stock. In those
man I still admire. He stressed the im- find them. days, we could bring guns and knives to
portance of working with your hands to One of my teachers was a retired school and no one cared. It took months but
make or fix something. machinist who liked his chosen I was really proud of my accomplishment.
He felt civilization was coming to a time
when we no longer would have to work six
The author uses the band saw to cut some sheep horn spacers.
days a week, and we would begin to have “It looks innocent until you note the bailing twine holding the
more free time. If we took our shop classes pieces of sheep horn together,” he writes. “If that twine gets
seriously, we would always have a method into the saw blade, it will hang up in the teeth and the sheep
of using our free time to make things we horn will fly. Never get twine, wire and stuff smaller than the
gaps in the teeth near the blade.”
wanted to have but could not buy. We
would be able to make things people would
pay for, and we could make a living using
our extra time doing something we liked.
If nothing else, we could give some very
personal and rewarding crafts to family
or friends. Most importantly, we would
be able to restore in ourselves the pride
of mastering real crafts—anything from
making a door fit into its casing, fixing a
leaking pipe to carving a masterpiece out
of a chunk of scrap wood.
Today, many go from their educational
pursuits directly to working in a sterile
cubicle, never knowing the talent and
satisfaction that often remain hidden
under the “clouds” of formal education.
There are many high-ticket jobs that
do not require—or even allow—the joy
of personal creativity and the potential
to make our lives more interesting to
ourselves, and valuable to others. 

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 7 3

KNI FE TA LK |

Arrows drawn on the buffing wheel show

the direction of travel. Always mark the
direction of travel on a buffing wheel: 1) to
inform newcomers what to expect when they
turn the wheel on, and 2) when you change
buffing wheels, they work better when you
know the direction of travel they have taken
in the past.

I “progressed” to make the usual kind of

high school shop projects. I found that
wood was not my calling. I never got a
chair to sit squarely on a level surface, in
spite of apparently identical-length legs;
they all became rocking chairs by accident.
One chair was really beautiful, but it lost
some of its appeal when I tried to sit on it
and it broke.
I tried jewelry making, designing and
creating what I felt were some really
nice projects that were very rewarding
to me. Later on, I became friends with
a Navajo man who lived in a hogan*
outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. He taught
me many skills that did not require a lot
of equipment, generally using what he
could make from what most would call
junk. I would have kept up with it but
silver and turquoise were expensive, and
I ran out of folks to give my projects to
(though Grandmother loved them).
 
KEY to SUCCESS
I moved on to other things and finally Never work on top of a buffer, especially when the direction of blade travel is toward you. It
was this kind of operation that killed a knifemaker friend of the author’s about five years ago.
made a knife out of an old “Swedish The wheel “grabbed” the blade and stuck it to the hilt in the maker’s chest. This sequence
steel” two-man timber saw. recreates how buffing the blade in a like manner can result in such a tragic accident.
Mike Claire owned what he called
the “Garden of Babylon,” aka “Mike’s were a blowtorch, vise and cold chisel to me, and our library had little reference
junkyard.” He thoroughly convinced me cut the blade blank, along with files and material about metal hardening. I would
that the finest steel ever made by man came sandpaper to finish it to shape. make a knife and try to cut something
from Sweden in the form of timber saws. Back at school, Mr. Slater knew little with it. Grandmother’s butter knife
I spent $7 for a 6-foot piece of saw blade. about hardening or tempering steel, and cut better. When I tried hardening, I
I had found my place in the sun, and my I realized it was up to me to figure it out. was rewarded with blades shattering or
first and greatest source of satisfaction I tried a lot of methods; none worked. I warping when quenched in water. They
began to challenge me. My initial tools was unaware of anyone who could show did not harden when quenched in old

74 BL ADE M A RCH 2 0 2 0
 knives; he had just At one time, there were many mine
made the one knife blacksmiths who made candleholders.
to show me up. The They had mastered the mine blacksmith’s
experience taught me art. Today, Varney’s candleholders
an absolute hatred command high-dollar value for two simple
of secrets that do no reasons: 1) He was a master craftsman
benefit to man. and 2) He signed all his candleholders
Many years later, I by stamping “Varney” on them. Many
discovered that he had others who made candleholders remain
learned his “secret” unknown. And, unfortunately, Varney’s
from Sid Varney, one methods are lost forever.
of the most famous Not knowing the “secret” of hardening
of Colorado mine and tempering methods cost me about
blacksmiths who 20 years making inferior knives that
made candleholders could have been so much better. Sure,
What remains of the author’s forged mine candleholders. There
to hang in mines I developed a good reputation among
are simple ones and real beauties, though none are by Sid Varney, before the advent hunters, but it does not take much of a
master candleholder maker. of acetylene lamps. knife to field dress a mule deer. I swore
Varney started I would never keep something secret
motor oil, and I soon discovered that working in the mines as a child. He learned when someone else could benefit from
some oils ignited immediately. I learned his craft from an old-timer and continued the knowledge. (How many times has
a lot that did not work! to make candleholders into his 90s. man been required to “reinvent the
  (Author’s note: To emphasize how close I wheel” because of secrets?)
THE SECRET was to learning the “secret,” my girlfriend Twenty years later I got my first
One of my classmates who also made was Varney’s granddaughter. All I would real knowledge about hardening
knives came to class one day and have had to do was ask, and Varney gladly and tempering a blade from BLADE
demonstrated how well his knife—made would have shared his knowledge with Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame®
from the same steel I was using—would me.) There is much more skill needed to member Bill Moran. I can still see him
cut, as well as chip steel out of a vise. He forge and heat treat a candleholder than a holding the blade with a pair of vise
could flex it to 90 degrees and it would simple knife. In the 1940s, the knowledge grips, heating it with an oxy-acetylene
not break. I asked him how he did it. was there but slowly fading. Still, it never torch and edge-quenching it in Texaco
“It’s a secret!” he exclaimed. entered my mind to ask Varney. He made Type “A” oil. You cannot imagine how
I was jealous and extremely aggravated some layered damascus candleholders beautiful that experience was!
by his “secret.” He was not into making that were beautiful. I find that when we share information
with others, most of them will do the
same. In addition, some might even
appreciate it enough to remember where
they learned a certain skill or method.
However, many times they forget to
mention the name of the teacher who
passed on their “secrets.” Inevitably, this
is just human nature.
Thanks for sharing “Knife Talk” with me.

Yours truly,
Ed Fowler
eafwb@wyoming.com
edfowler.com
 
*A hogan is the primary, traditional
dwelling of the Navajo.

For the latest knives, knife news, trends

and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
These are homemade stamps the author’s Navajo friend made for his silver work. He was not popular Instagram page @blade_
a wealthy man. He made everything on a dirt floor in his hogan, and, like these stamps, most
of his tools consisted of junk no one else wanted. “We would walk to town and watch the bar magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
pit for nails, bolts, anything he could use,” the author wrote. “A friend bought some of his
tools that were sold after he could no longer use them. They are very special to me!”

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 75

HOW T O BUY | BY MIKE HASKEW BLADE® FIELD EDITOR

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MAKERS BEFORE

YOU BUY KNIVES FROM THEM

Buying a custom knife depending on

whether the maker is a “big name” or not
may or may not always be the best way to
go. As Dave Harvey noted, much depends
on the type of knife you’re seeking, whether
a field knife, investment grade or EDC.
Respective examples of each are by Mamoru
Shigeno, Ron Appleton and Dan Dugdale.
(SharpByCoop images)

76 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
 Neil Ostroff

collectible? Have you found a relatively

new maker who you feel has a bright
Most who buy knives directly from makers enjoy the personal interaction involved, and so a future?”
maker who is respectful and professional will have a foot up over those who are not. Herbert Rather than just relying on a “big-
Derr (seated) visits with customers at a past BLADE Show, while behind him Jerry Hossom name” maker to supply satisfaction,
(in dark grey shirt with back to camera) does the same. (John Williamson image)
BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame®
member Dan Delavan of plazacutlery.
Editor’s note: How to buy correctly and from the right custom makers follows com leans toward function and purpose
with an eye to the future is one of the naturally. as well. “If it’s a using knife, you can save
leading challenges facing those who trade For some buyers, the first hurdle is some money by buying from a non-big-
in the custom knife industry. Buyers need the maker’s name recognition. However, name maker if it is made well. It should
to know not onl knife p y warn that buying
purveyors y g
knnife but also how to identify a knifemaker only the work of a “big-name” maker
who’s talented, dependable and possesses could lead to missed opportunities.
otther prerequisites. In the first of a multi- “Not necessarily,” related Dave
paart series, join the author as he addresses Harvey of Nordic Knives in Boise,
wh hat to look for in a knifemaker—and, in Idaho, on whether the maker
ubsequent installments, other things to
su must be a big name. “Of course,
knnow and seek out in your quest to buy this all depends on the type of
he best custom knife for you.
th knife you’re looking for. Is it a
field knife, everyday carry
now your knifemaker. Perhaps or an investment-grade
this is the best advice anyone
could offer to those interested in
uying custom knives.
bu
It’s accepted that people are different.
Vaaried personalities are literally the spice
off life. Then, there is the critical decision.
An assessment of quality, style and
unction is key for the buyer.
fu
Actually, it’s a prerequisite.
The
Th successful search
for the right knives

The maker’s personality often plays a role in buying decisions. “There have been many makers
with less than a stellar personality that had no trouble selling knives because their knives
were among the best in the world,” Dan Delavan said. “It’s up to the buyer to decide!” D.E.
Henry (inset) was a maker renowned for his knifemaking talent but disliked by some for his
personality. (PointSeven knife image)

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 7 7

HOW T O BUY |

work just as well,” he reasoned. So, big sign for me would be an attitude that is
name versus up-and-comer depends not considered friendly and somewhat
on the buyer’s purpose. Sometimes the humble, in my opinion. For example,
marquee name works best, but on other when a knifemaker tells me on the first
occasions the undiscovered future master day [of a show] that he won’t sell to me
is just the ticket. until the last day after he has supplied
Of course, when it comes to a business his ‘bros’ or full-fare buyers, I have
transaction, dealing with likeable people to wonder why I would possibly be
is an added benefit. It isn’t required but interested in buying something that my
it surely makes the experience more clientele has had a chance to look at for
enjoyable. three days and not bought.”
“If a knifemaker acts like a jerk and Delavan, on the other hand, relates the
does not treat me with respect, I move personality issue to the buyer’s purpose.
on,” Neil Ostroff of True North Knives “If it’s a using knife, the maker has
Daniel O’Malley said flatly. “Whether [the maker is] to be nice and enjoyable and not
big or small in the industry, a warning a jerk. If it’s a collector’s knife
and the ego is over the top, it’s
your choice as the maker’s
personality comes with the
knife. There have been
many makers with less
than a stellar personality
that had no trouble
selling knives because
their knives were

Custom orders are often

a good idea early in a
maker’s career but not as
much later in his career
when he’s established a
style. If the order doesn’t
Daniel O’Malley said the hectic businessman who buys a knife often does so in part represent the style for which he is known,
because he is “buying into” the maker. “The businessman sees an artist who is living the knife may not increase in value as
a bygone lifestyle and works with his or her hands,” he observed. ABS master smith much over time. Wolfgang Loerchner’s
Steve Culver hammers hot steel in his shop. (Steve Culver image) art-knife style is among the world’s most
recognizable. (SharpByCoop image)

78 BL ADE MARCH 2 0 2 0
 Dan Delavan

among the best in the world. It’s up to

the buyer to decide!”
The buyer really does have ultimate
control in every circumstance—complete
the purchase while accepting the maker’s According to Daniel O’Malley, without attending shows, it is very hard for makers to get to
quality and personality in the process, or know each other well enough to share knifemaking skills and ideas. Knifemakers Larry Newton
simply walk away. “Of course, the maker (left) and Andre Thorburn (center) discuss folders at a past BLADE Show.
should be nice,” Harvey commented.
“With rare exceptions, the jerks are CUSTOM ORDERS disappointed because some aspect of it
typically weeded out over time. Most A lingering question surrounding the doesn’t perfectly match the expectation.
custom buyers who purchase knives purchase of a custom knife is the maker’s In such a case, is there a real winner?
directly from makers enjoy the personal willingness to accept a custom order. Further, the cancellation of an order due
interaction involved there, and so a While some stand firm in declining to unforeseen circumstances complicates
respectful and professional maker will this type of business, others readily the situation for everyone involved.
have a foot up over those who are not.” embrace it. A custom order may involve “This is a call that is made by the
Daniel O’Malley of Bladegallery.com the payment of a deposit and the simple knifemaker,” Ostroff added. “Sometimes
considers charisma a pleasant ingredient, fact that the customer is willing to wait custom orders can bog down a
particularly given the fact that a custom months or even years to receive the knifemaker as it is not an item that he
knife requires hours of labor and a knife. Also complicating the process regularly makes, requiring new fi xtures
conscientious effort to produce the is the maker’s willingness to engage and processes. Also, a deposit should
best result. “Being a knifemaker is hard in lengthy dialogue with the customer never be asked for by the maker. If it
work,” he observed. “It involves days about exactly what the buyer wants. is, the customer should find a way to
or weeks of work creating each knife. “Custom orders are always difficult,” politely refuse. No exceptions.”
We buy knives for lots of reasons, and O’Malley warned. “In general, early
one of those is that we like the maker. in a maker’s career custom orders are OPEN COMMUNICATION
The hectic businessman who buys a often a good idea. Later on the maker Still, as a matter of course a custom
handmade folding knife often does so has established a style that represents his knifemaker should be prepared to talk to
in part because he is ‘buying into’ the artistic vision. When taking a custom his buyers and the buying public at large,
maker. The businessman sees an artist order the established maker may end up even though it will require an investment
who is living a bygone lifestyle and making a knife that doesn’t represent of time. “As a matter of societal courtesy,
works with his or her hands. his work as a whole. This knife may not people who run a business should
“Knowing that this level of artistry increase in value as much over time. answer and return phone calls—not
and skill still exists in a world where so Additionally, if the collector decides to immediately as they could be super busy,
little surrounding us is made by hand sell it, the maker may be disappointed but if they have no intention of running
is very exciting,” O’Malley continued. because a knife made by him is on the their shop as a ‘business,’ then they don’t
“Finding that the artist is unlikeable open market representing his work, need a phone,” Ostroff opined.
may destroy this enjoyment. In the long though it really doesn’t represent his Harvey agrees, giving a nod to the
run, if a knifemaker is not personable, it vision of knives.” current availability of communication
is likely their work may not increase as O’Malley also notes that the collector technology. “Anyone in business should
much in value simply because collectors who places an order has an image in be ready to communicate with his or her
are rubbed the wrong way and stop his mind of what the completed knife potential customers,” he commented.
purchasing his or her knives.” will look like. Sometimes when the “In this new age of communication a
completed knife is received the buyer is reply can come in many forms, but it

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 7 9

HOW T O BUY |

can be very important for the maker.

What knife buyers are looking for
changes each year. Without attending
shows, it is almost impossible to stay on
top of current knife trends. Getting to
know other makers can be a great way
of picking up new tricks and techniques.
Without attending shows, it is very hard
“Sometimes the marquee name works best,” for makers to get to know each other well
Dan Delavan observed, “but on other occasions enough to share skills.
the undiscovered future master is just the “Finally, shows are a great way to get
ticket.” Evan Nicolaides (inset) won Best
New Maker at last year’s BLADE Show for his
to know the folks that are buying your
Barracuda slip joint. (Chuck Ward knife image) knives. A personal connection can help
both the buyer and maker.”
Sure, these are marketing and sales
enhancements, tools of the custom knife
trade just as surely as the grinder on the
shop floor. They have their place.
“Makers need to have a presence
at shows, at least two or three a year,”
Delavan advised. “It’s not just sales. It’s
having a relationship with the public,
and you never know who you might
should still happen.” meet. General information should be
Reasonably, then, if a on the makers’ websites. Makers can
kknifemaker
if k fails
f il to respondd spend a full day on the phone and not
to a phone call, email or letter in a given get any work done, so buyers also need
period of time, it might cause the potential to understand that the maker is not there
buyer to rethink the effort. Would a lack dealers. Other pillars of higher visibility to entertain you. I would recommend
of response indicate a breakdown in and increased sales include service emailing questions and including a
attention to detail and cast doubt on the after the deal is struck, in other words, phone number so the maker can call the
deliverables that any customer would some type of satisfaction guarantee, buyer if needed.”
count on? Think about it. physical presence at certain knife shows Assembling the ingredients that
and in cyberspace, and advertising in make a customer comfortable in
RAISING PROFILES magazines and circulars. pursuing a custom knife purchase eases
It goes hand in hand that the committed “Websites and a social media presence the tension and worry that surrounds
custom knifemaker, full- or part are effective marketing tools,” Harvey any significant investment, regardless
time, would want to raise their profi le remarked, “and I can’t imagine advising of the knife’s intended purpose. These
among potential customers. Logically, against them. But it is still not a must principles apply whether the tool is used
this would be accomplished through for long-established and renowned hard in the field or resides in a place of
excellent customer service and positive makers. Shows are obviously another honor on display or in a safe deposit
experiences with direct purchasers and very effective marketing tool, and social box, secure from deterioration and
media has not replaced them. That said, awaiting the day of rediscovery.
I’m sure that some makers can enjoy
success without [shows].” Next time: More on what you should
For O’Malley the knife show is know about the maker before buying a
a critical element in reaching the knife from him or her.
public and fulfi lling other important
requirements that keep a successful For the contact information for the knives
custom knifemaker productive. and sources in the story see “Where To
“Attending two or three major Get ’Em” on page 71.
shows each year is important for the
knifemaker,” he said. “It serves several For the latest knives, knife news, trends
roles. The shows are often the best places and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
to purchase materials for knives. Many popular Instagram page @blade_
natural materials must be purchased magazine, and on Facebook and Twitter.
in person to know the quality of what
Dave Harvey
you’re getting. Seeing industry trends

8 0 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0
SHORT CUT S | BY BLADE® STAFF

FRAZER STEPS DOWN BladeLight Sheath (2014); and Baton retired in 1983 and sold the business to Vic
Q2 Multi-Tool (2017). In addition, in and his wife Ilona, Rudy’s daughter.

S
pencer Frazer, the man who found- 1990 SOG won the BLADE Magazine Under Vic’s direction, Ruana Knife Works
ed SOG Specialty Knives in 1986, Manufacturing Quality Award. continued to make hunting and other
will be stepping away from his full- Frazer’s retirement comes as the company outdoor fixed blades for which Rudy Ruana
time involvement in the company, accord- completes an aggressive directional change had become so well known. Vic worked at
ing to a SOG news release. in product and brand this year. He said he the shop through 2017, remaining a valuable
However, Frazer will maintain an leaves knowing the company remains in consultant until his final days. In his spare
advisory role moving forward. good hands. time he loved to hunt deer, elk and birds,
Frazer, 64, is the driving design and and loved fishing even more. He would end
engineering force behind a wide array of KNIFE FAMILY LOSES 3 every fishing outing with the words, “Just
SOG knives and multi-tools, beginning one more cast.” The day before he died, when

T
with the company’s first knife, the S1 Bowie he knife industry lost three long- asked if he had anything to say to his family,
that paid homage to the knife U.S. Special time knifemakers recently with the he replied, “Fly fish more!” Vic passed away
Forces used in Vietnam, eventually naming passing of Bill Cheatham, Vic Han- Nov. 30 at age 82.
the company in honor of the unit that gas and Steve Jernigan. Stephen Whitmire “Steve” Jernigan Jr.
originally developed the knife. A long-time knifemaker from Laveen, was a long-time custom knifemaker from
Helping to bring a high-tech design Arizona, William Dee “Bill” Cheatham Milton, Florida, specializing in interframe
sensibility to what at the time was a rather sold his first knife in 1976. He was perhaps and other fancy folders. Selling his first knife
traditional industry, Frazer was a leader best known for his blades of what was in 1982, in recent years he had entered into
in the modern era of factory knives. He called “chipped-flint steel,” a process a collaboration with Bear & Son Cutlery
combined aesthetics and mechanical whereby the blade had the appearance of called the Bold Action VIII, a folder based
function into successful, sophisticated having been flintknapped (page 22) but on a Jernigan design. As a voting member
edged tools. was made of steel instead of stone or other of the Knifemakers’ Guild, Steve served on
natural substances. the Guild’s board of directors. He was also an
Before becoming a knifemaker, Bill avid diver, doing so well into his later years.
joined the Phoenix Police Department According to one of his friends, Joe
in 1964. He served for over 25 years until Hatfield, “Steve has always been a truly
his career was cut short during a shootout skilled, gifted and unique master of art,
in the line of duty that left one dead and design and workmanship like no other.
Cheatham severely wounded. On Jan. 26, His memory and works will live on in the
1987, Bill stopped his squad car behind a hearts and collections of all those who were
reportedly suicidal man, who subsequently privileged to know him. [He was] a most
opened fire with a .44 caliber sidearm. compassionate, honest and loving person
Cheatham was hit in the right shoulder and who will be greatly missed and often
Spencer Frazer spun to his knees. remembered for his talent and spirit. His
As the man shifted fire from Bill to the life was lived with value and purpose as an
other officers present, Cheatham switched inspirational example to all who knew him.”
Frazer grew the company’s line his pistol to his left hand and returned fire Steve passed Oct. 31 at the age of 83.
by offering multi-tools, developing with his fellow officers. The assailant was hit
collaborations with other noted knife and later declared dead at the scene. Steve Jernigan
designers and securing military supply The bullet tore Cheatham’s arm from
contracts. The fixed-blade SOG SEAL Pup his shoulder and doctors had to install
was designed for the U.S. Navy SEAL knife a steel rod to reconnect his arm to the
trials in 1992, and has been used by special shoulder joint. He was awarded the
operations forces in some of the world’s medal of valor and the police shield for
hottest hot spots. He secured a number his heroic actions. While Bill’s arm was Vic Hangas
of SOG’s patented technologies, including severely restricted after the shooting,
Compound Leverage™ used in most of he continued to make knives until 2015
SOG’s multi-tools, as well as various when he had to quit due to a medical
locking and opening mechanisms. condition. He died Dec. 11 at age 83.
Under his direction, SOG’s knives and The son-in-law of BLADE Magazine
multi-tools have won many honors and Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Rudy
accolades, including a number of BLADE Ruana, Victor Neil “Vic” Hangas started as
Magazine Knife-Of-The-Year® Awards: the an apprentice knifemaker under Rudy at
Tomcat (1988); Stingray (1989); ToolClip Ruana Knife Works in Bonner, Montana, in Bill Cheatham
(1991); Power Plier (1995); Vision (1999); 1964, beginning a working relationship that
Topo Meridian (2005); KIKU (2007); would last for the following 20 years. Rudy

M ARCH 2 0 2 0 blad ema g.co m 81

COOL CUST OM | BY BLADE® STAFF

In this multiple exposure by Caleb Royer, beginning from left the

knife by Alexander Noot (inset) is shot at the same angle but in three
different light and temperature conditions to illustrate how the handle

CUTTER
changes colors. In all, the handle can appear in five different colors/
shades, this image showing the three that contrast best.

OF MANY
COLORS
NOOT’S KNIFE HANDLE
CHANGES HUES IN VARYING
LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE
CONDITIONS

Y
ou’ve heard of a horse of a different color?
Alexander Noot takes things a furlong further
by using new Raffir synthetic materials—four
in all—for a handle that changes colors depending on
light and temperature.
Raffir Heatwave comes in red and yellow versions, and Raffir
SFX Uranium in blue and green types. When cold, Heatwave is
almost black. When warmed by the hand or ambient temperatures,
SPEC CHECK
it turns bright red or yellow depending on the version of Heatwave.
KNIFE: White Rapids Seax
Uranium Blue is whitish transparent in ambient indoor light. In
the sun it turns blue. When “charged” in the sun for a short while MAKER: Alexander Noot
it will glow bright green in the dark. Uranium Green is darker in BLADE LENGTH: 4”
ambient indoor light and turns greener in ultraviolet light, and will BLADE STEEL: Random pattern damascus
subsequently glow in the dark, too.
HANDLE MATERIALS: Raffir Heatwave red and yellow,
Based in The Netherlands, Noot uses all four Raffir synthetics
in the handle of his White Rapids Seax for a knife color show that Raffir Uranium blue and green, and dyed stabilized cedar burl
won’t quit. BOLSTER MATERIAL: Slow-twist damascus
OVERALL LENGTH: 8.5”
For more information contact Alexander Noot, lxblades.com, SHEATH: Pouch/belt model, pigskin inside and out;
Instagram: @lx_emergency.
dragonscale tooling on the outside
For the latest knives, knife news, trends and more visit blademag. KNIFE TO KNOW: Blade is marked w/the maker’s copper-
com, BLADE®’s popular Instagram page @blade_magazine, and plated logo
on Facebook and Twitter. MAKER’S LIST PRICE: $500 ($520 w/worldwide
shipping costs included)

8 2 BL ADE M ARCH 2 0 2 0